The Most Valuable Royal Jewelry in History

Worn By: Queen Elizabeth II
Owned Since: 1947
Estimated Value: $207,000*

Royal weddings have always been a big deal in Britain and other territories. Family members and friends of the happy couple flock to give gifts that are truly worthy of the occasion. In 1947 when Elizabeth married Prince Philip, her grandmother Queen Mary gave her the exquisite Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. 

Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara Queen Elizabeth II @The Telegraph / @ Forbes / Pinterest.com

Thought to be worth around $207,000 in today’s money, the stunning diamond tiara is one of Queen Elizabeth’s most prized possessions. It certainly beats the $100 Amazon gift card that most of us get when we tie the knot!

It isn’t quite as big as some of the other diadems in Elizabeth’s collection, but when it comes to sheer value size doesn’t always matter. This tiara is chic enough to be worn to many different occasions, which is why the Queen loves it so much. 

Worn By: Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge
Owned Since: 1863
Estimated Value: $1.6 million*

Prince Albert thought long and hard about what to give his bride Princess Alexandra of Denmark for their wedding day in 1863. The future king spent £13,680 on the incredible parure that included this diamond necklace, a brooch, and a pair of earrings. In today’s money, that’s an eye-watering $1.6 million. 

Queen Alexandra’s Wedding Necklace Kate Middleton @seyhan / Pinterest.com | @courtjeweller / Twitter.com

The necklace was handed down to the Queen Mother, aka Elizabeth II’s mom. The Queen Mother enjoyed it and wore it often, right up until her passing in 2002. It was then kept under lock and key until the Duchess of Sussex was spotted wearing it to a banquet in 2018. You wouldn’t find this at Tiffany’s.

Kate looked flawless when she sported it that special night as she paired it with pearl drop earrings and an equally breathtaking tiara. It’s not always easy being a Duchess and the wife of a future king, but gifts like this certainly help. 

Worn By: Princess Anne
Owned Since: 1919
Estimated Value: $5 million*

The Queen Mary Fringe Tiara has such a wonderful and rich history it’s not hard to see why it was once valued at $5 million. The stunning diamond piece was actually a necklace gifted by Queen Victoria to Queen Mary in 1919. Mary eventually had it reworked into a tiara. 

The Queen Mary Fringe Tiara Princess Anne @Cookie Torres / @Patricia Rangel / Pinterest.com

While Princess Anne has worn the elaborate headpiece made from gold, silver, and diamonds most often, Queen Elizabeth II wore it on her wedding day to Prince Philip. The tiara came unhinged on the morning of the wedding, causing the Queen Mother to calmly state, “We have two hours and there are other tiaras.” 

Princess Anne also followed in her mom’s footsteps and sported the tiara for her wedding to Captain Mark Phillips in 1973. The marriage may have ended in 1989, but the photos of Anne wearing the diadem will live on in the history books forever. 

Worn By: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Owned Since: 2000
Estimated Value: $30,000*

Gorgeous stones like pink topaz are the epitome of luxury for those with enough cash to make the purchase. A set of topaz antique gems went on sale at Sotheby’s back in 2000, before eagle-eyed fans noticed Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall was wearing them. 

The Duchess of Cornwall's Pink Topaz Choker @disqus/Pinterest.com

The necklace is the life and soul of the party, combining one huge stone with several rows of pearls. Although it’s impossible to know the exact value of the entire piece itself, the set of jewels sold for $28,000 at the original auction in 2000. The Duchess could be spotted wearing the choker at Harry and Meghan’s wedding, which was aired on CBS.

The very fact that Camilla chose to wear this particular necklace out of all the others in her collection for such a momentous occasion speaks volumes about how she feels about it. There aren’t all that many pink jewels in the royal family, so this one certainly sticks out. 

Worn By: Queen Elizabeth II
Owned Since: 1973
Estimated Value: $9 million*

The Burmese Ruby Tiara is quite unique for multiple reasons. It’s one of the more modern pieces of jewelry owned by Queen Elizabeth II as she commissioned it in the early ‘70s. Made by Garrard, the breathtaking diadem contains 96 rubies gifted to the Queen by the Burmese people. 

The Burmese Ruby Tiara Queen Elizabeth II ©Anwar Hussein / Geetyimages.com | @royal_family_history / Instagram.com

Given its historical importance and the sheer amount of gems and diamonds used to create it, experts have valued the tiara at an astonishing $9 million. According to The Express, the Burmese people believe that the rubies keep illnesses at bay. Given the Queen’s good health and lack of trips to CVS, they could be right.

At 94 years old, Her Majesty is one of the longest-reigning monarchs in history. If only she knew when she accepted the rubies that she would still be wearing them fifty years later! At 99, Prince Philip may well have a gem or two squirreled away as well. 

Worn By: Kate Middleton
Owned Since: 2011
Estimated Value: $18,000*

Kate Middleton’s parents obviously put a lot of thought into what to give their daughter for her wedding day. She was marrying the future king, after all. The Middletons had custom-made earrings designed to feature oak leaves and acorns, each representing Kate and her siblings. 

Kate Middleton’s Acron & Oak Leaf Wedding Earrings @WhatKateWore / Twitter.com | @Kate Ives / Pinterest.com

The sentimental treat wasn’t a cheap one, costing the bride’s family $18,000. It was worth every penny considering how happy Kate looked on the day – and how well the earrings matched her wedding look. The droplet earrings will likely be passed down to Princess Charlotte.

Almost everything from Kate’s bridal look became immensely popular in the years following the wedding. Brides flocked to copy Kate’s lace wedding dress, while others searched across the internet for similar (not quite so expensive) earrings! When Meghan and Harry tied the knot in 2018, many were quick to compare.

Worn By: Autumn Phillips
Owned Since: 1973
Estimated Value: $500,000*

Princess Anne has had the pleasure of performing her royal duties for many years now. Not only has she opened hospitals, but she has also christened ships. Back in 1973, she was given the Festoon Tiara as a present for unveiling a vessel. The dainty design of the tiara made it a perfect addition to her daughter-in-law’s wedding outfit in 2008. 

The Festoon Tiara Autumn Phillips ©Anwar Hussein / Gettyimages.com @CARMEN LOPEZ-SALAZAR / Pinterest.com

Autumn Phillips looked stunning when she married Anne’s son, Peter, 12 years ago. With so little about the origin of the tiara known, it’s difficult to put an exact price on it. However, the World Wide Shipping Group likely didn’t pick it up at Dollar Tree.

Autumn coupled the tiara with a traditional veil with lace detailing and simple pearl earrings. Few brides can say their “something old” was given to them by a member of the British Royal Family, but then again – few brides actually marry into that family, either. 

Worn By: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Owned Since: 1923
Estimated Value: $200,000*

Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, has been spotted wearing the Queen Mother’s Amethyst Heart necklace on several occasions. This piece might not be quite as out there as some other necklaces in the royal collection, but it’s just as beautiful. 

Camilla's Amethyst Heart Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall ©Max Mumby/Indigo / Gettyimages.com

The large heart-shaped amethyst pendant is a striking shade of purple and was first gifted to the Queen Mother on her wedding day in 1923. The diamond-set stone is perfectly set off by a chain of diamonds and pearls, putting its value somewhere in the region of $200,000. Prince Charles allegedly loves the necklace, so it makes sense Camilla ended up wearing it.

To the untrained eye it looks a little bit like the famous Heart of the Ocean from James Cameron’s hit ‘90s CBS movie, Titanic. However, the Heart of the Ocean was a sapphire and fictional. There’s nothing made up about this giant gem!

Worn By: Princess Diana
Owned Since: 1981
Estimated Value: $1 million*

Princess Diana received an extortionate amount of gifts when she married Prince Charles in 1981. When the story that seemed like a fairytale was just beginning, the Saudi prince gifted Diana an incredible jewelry set for the occasion. 

The Saudi Sapphire Set Princess Diana ©Princess Diana Archive / Gettyimages.com

Perhaps the most famous out of all the pieces was the huge Burmese sapphire necklace set in diamonds with a thin diamond chain to accompany it. Diana wore the stunning set several times, with many of her most popular photos in the Carlyle Group’s Getty collection showing the People’s Princess wearing one of the pieces.

It was no secret that Diana loved sapphires as she picked out her famous engagement ring. If Netflix’s The Crown is to be believed, Diana knew the stone matched her eyes. She wasn’t wrong. Few can deny that the Princess looked stunning whenever she wore a sapphire. 

Worn By: Princess Diana
Owned Since: Unknown
Estimated Value: $200,000*

Princess Diana loved to wear chokers, especially pearl ones. They matched her beauty unlike anything else. Diana had several different types, including an eleven-strand pearl choker with diamond and ruby spacers. It was one of her more understated pieces, but one she wore on many different occasions. 

The Eleven-Strand Pearl Choker Princess Diana ©Princess Diana Archive / Gettyimages.com

The late Diana’s jewelry is often a source of intrigue for royal fans because of her own tragic tale. When she passed away in 1997, Diana’s jewelry collection was inherited by her sons in order for them to give it to their wives. Both Meghan and Kate have been seen wearing certain items of Diana’s when featured on news outlets like Fox.

We have yet to see either of the Duchesses sporting this impressive choker, but maybe the occasion just hasn’t arrived yet. On the flip side, it’s an impressive piece but not exactly a timeless one. Chokers of this substance are hard to pull off these days.

Worn By: Queen Elizabeth II
Owned Since: 1840
Estimated Value: $4 million*

Queen Victoria may be remembered as a particularly stern and stoic queen, but back in 1840 she was just another blushing bride. Prince Albert gave his wife a gorgeous sapphire brooch, aptly titled The Prince Albert Brooch. It’s thought that the enormous stone set in diamonds is worth $4 million.

The Prince Albert Brooch Queen Elizabeth II ©Chris Jackson / Gettyimages.com

Queen Victoria designated it an “heirloom of the crown” meaning that only Queens or Queen Consorts could wear it. Queen Elizabeth II, like her mother before her, is partial to wearing the glittering piece and has been spotted sporting it on many different occasions. It’s certainly not costume jewelry like you’d see on Netflix’s The Crown. 

Her Majesty is partial to matching her jewelry to her outfits, so this stunning sapphire can often be seen when Elizabeth is dressed up to the nines in blue. Fashions may have changed over the years, but Liz’s love of coordination has never waned.  

Worn By: Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge
Owned Since: 1981
Estimated Value: $100,000*

When Prince Charles proposed to Diana Spencer in the early ‘80s, he went against the grain. Instead of giving her something from the royal collection, he allowed Diana to pick something herself. The result was the now infamous blue sapphire and diamond ring. At the time, Charles shelled out $36,000 for it. 

Princess Diana's Engagement Ring @stylebistro / Pinterest.com

Nowadays, the gorgeous ring is worth $100,000. Prince William delighted fans when he gave it to Kate Middleton when he popped the question back in 2010. Kate treasures the piece – and rightly so. This kind of heirloom doesn’t come around all that often. 

Not only does it have a special place in Kate and Will’s family history, but it’s an important historical piece. Some may say it represents one of the most famous doomed marriages ever, but the marriage still resulted in Will and Harry which is something to celebrate.

Worn By: Princess Margaret
Owned Since: 1923
Estimated Value: $4 million*

The Lotus Flower Tiara now belongs to Kate Middleton, but rewind the clock and Princess Margaret was once the rightful owner of the band of diamond arches topped off with single pearls. 

The Lotus Flower Tiara Princess Margaret ©Kypros / Gettyimages.com

The Queen Mother was the first owner of the tiara but it started out life as a necklace. Her husband gave it to her for their wedding in 1923, before the Queen Mother had it remodeled into a tiara. Kate has worn it several times, but the art deco piece hasn’t been seen for a few years, much to the chagrin of fans everywhere.

It’s simple enough to be understated while shiny enough to make a statement, which is probably why Princess Margaret wore it so often. Nothing says “royal” like a small smattering of diamonds, especially one that dates all the way back to the start of the 20th century. 

Worn By: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall
Owned Since: 1911
Estimated Value: $2 million*

Some tiaras are elegant and understated, while others walk into a room ten minutes before the person wearing it appears. The Delhi Durbar Tiara is a truly magnificent item that can’t be missed. It first appeared in 1911 when Queen Mary had it made for the Delhi Durbar, aka the celebration of her official coronation as Empress of India. 

The Delhi Durbar Tiara Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall ©Anwar Hussein Collection / Gettyimages.com

The diadem was then passed to the Queen Mother before it went to the Queen, who eventually loaned it to Camilla in 2005. Many felt like this was a true stamp of approval from a mother-in-law to a daughter-in-law. Considering its cost, it’s not hard to see why. 

Few modern royals dare to wear a tiara that’s quite as big, but Camilla isn’t exactly known for being shy. The Duchess has been known to pair it with several other diamond pieces, from necklaces to earrings. The shinier, the better.