Object of the Day, Museum Edition: The Williamson Diamond Brooch, 1952

The Williamson Diamond Brooch
Pink and White Diamonds
Cartier, 1952
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II

Some consider the central stone in this brooch to be the finest pink diamond in the world. Certainly when it was mined, it was, and probably ties with the Graff Pink for that honor now.  Weighing 23.6 carats, the diamond was found in Tanzania by geologist Dr. John Williamson who presented the diamond to Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) as a wedding gift in 1947.  In 1948, the diamond was cut by London’s Briefel and Lemer.  Longing to wear the diamond, Queen Elizabeth II commissioned Frederick Mew of Cartier to create a fitting setting for the pink sparkler in 1952.  The result was this unique brooch which remains in Her Majesty’s private jewel collection. 

Mastery of Design: The Townshend Pink Diamond Ring, 1800-1869

Pink Diamond Ring
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Among the rarest of the fancy color diamonds, pink diamondsare difficult to find, especially those which have not had their color enhanced. Natural pink diamonds have been found in Tanzania, Brazil and North West Australia.

The remarkably bright pink diamond was donated to the V&A as part of the impressive collection of Reverend Chauncey Hare Townshend. It is one of an exceptional suite of colored diamonds that were owned by the Reverend. This diamond, like the others, has been mounted in a ring for purposes of display and was never worn. Set in gold, the pink diamond is surrounded by a frame of brilliant-cut, colorless diamonds. The ring dates between 1800 and 1869.

The Townshend Diamonds
Once Part of the Hope Collection
The Victoria & Albert Museum