Queen Camilla wears mysterious £80k jewel with hidden meaning | Royal | News

Queen Camilla stepped out yesterday in a quietly dazzling ensemble as she attended a reception at the Vintners’ Company. The Queen, 78, chose a rich, deep green velvet dress that exuded understated sophistication, but it was her glittering brooch, pinned high on the left side, that drew particular attention among royal watchers. 

While the piece shimmered subtly under the lights, its provenance remains unclear, adding an intriguing layer of mystery that only heightens fascination around the Queen’s jewellery choices. Royal collections are famously vast, often comprising heirlooms, private gifts and historic pieces with little publicly documented detail, and Camilla is known for selecting jewels that quietly nod to heritage without overt fanfare.

Jewellery expert Nilesh Rakholia, Founder of Abelini, spoke exclusively to the Express, offering insight into the brooch’s design and symbolism.

“When Queen Camilla selected this brooch for the reception at the Vintners’ Company, it was a quietly considered choice,” explains the jewellery expert.

“At first glance, it appears to be a diamond-set cluster design centred around a vivid green gemstone [most likely an emerald] set in white gold or platinum.”

He notes that the brooch’s oval silhouette and halo-style surround give it a classic mid-20th-century aesthetic.

“The design language is refined rather than flamboyant,” Nilesh says. “An emerald centre stone framed by brilliant-cut diamonds creates contrast and depth. Emeralds have long been associated with renewal, wisdom and continuity.”

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He added, “Symbolism that feels particularly appropriate in formal City settings where heritage and tradition matter.”

Positioned high on the left side of the chest, the brooch subtly draws the eye without overwhelming the deep green velvet dress.

“Brooch placement is never accidental in royal dressing,” he explains. “Unlike necklaces or tiaras, brooches are controlled statements. They sit close to the heart and tend to communicate steadiness and authority rather than glamour. This piece reinforces composure rather than spectacle.”

Given the apparent size of the centre stone and the quality of the surrounding diamonds, Nilesh offers a cautious five-figure valuation.

“Without confirmed provenance it’s difficult to be precise, but if the centre stone is a natural emerald of strong colour and clarity, surrounded by high-quality diamonds, a piece of this scale could reasonably sit in the £40,000 to £80,000 range [potentially more if the emerald is of exceptional origin],” he notes.

“If it forms part of a historic royal collection, its intrinsic value could be significantly higher due to heritage.”

Nilesh concludes: “This is not a headline-grabbing jewel. It is a piece that speaks softly but deliberately. In royal jewellery, that restraint often carries the most authority.”