Saturday Sparkle: “County of Cornwall Bracelet,” 1893

County of Cornwall Bracelet, 1893
The Royal Collection

Carat-upon-carat of shimmering European-cut diamonds surrounds remarkably bright, clear rubies in this magnificent bracelet. Created in 1893, the bracelet was a gift to Princess Mary of Teck (later Queen Mary) from the Duke of York (later King George V).

The centerpiece of the bracelet is a stunningly jeweled Cornish rose—a symbol of the ceremonial County of Cornwall. The rose is detachable and can be worn as a brooch or a pendant. A good many of the pieces of jewelry in The Royal Collection feature removable or changeable parts so that the look and use of the piece can be altered as fits the occasion.

In 1947, Queen Mary made a gift of the bracelet to her granddaughter, Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II). The Queen has been known to wear the bracelet for certain events. When not in use, it remains in The Royal Collection.