Like the royal dress code for any occasion is packed with history, funeral garb is no different. But the royal jewels worn by members of the British monarchy for Prince Philip’s funeral have a certain meaning too.
Colorless jewels are used for mourning as far back as Roman times. Word is Queen Victoria put this rule into effect for British royals.
Jewellery has its own chapter in royal etiquette. From tiaras to family jewels. According to an etiquette expert, Diana Mather family jewels are to be worn at appearances after 6 p.m.
“The old rule is that hats are never worn indoors after 6 p.m., because that is when the ladies changed into evening dress, and tiaras and the family jewels would come out.”
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Additionally, big diamonds are like tiaras are only reserved for married women. Tiaras are also reserved for members of the Royal Family.
“Flashy diamonds and tiaras are not worn during the day, and only married ladies wear tiaras.”
History & Sentiment Behind These Royal Jewels
However, even colorless jewels have a history. Aside from the traditional all-black ensemble for mourning, Queen Elizabeth, wore a large diamond brooch and pearl earrings. Known as the Richmond Brooch, it’s believed to be the largest brooch in the Queen’s collection.
According to Elle, Elizabeth’s grandmother, Queen Mary, was gifted the brooch, made by Hunt and Raskell, in 1893 as a wedding present.
“The brooch features diamonds, set with two pearls — one large round centre pearl and the detachable pearl. Mary wore the broach on her honeymoon at Osborne House on Isle of Wight,”
Meanwhile, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a pair of diamond and pearl earrings along with a three-row pearl choker. Kate Middleton wore the same royal jewels during a celebration dinner for the Queen and Prince Philip’s 70th wedding anniversary.
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According to British Vogue, the jewels were gifted to the Queen in 1947 in celebration of her marriage to Philip. It was made from cultured pearls gifted by the Japanese government and designed by Garrard.
The Duchess of Cornwall wore the silver Rifles Brooch. Camilla previously wore the brooch when she took over Prince Philip’s role as Colonel-in-Chief of the infantry regiment The Rifles, in July 2020.
