Yesterday marked a momentous occasion as King Charles III and Queen Camilla embarked on their inaugural state visit to France since Charles ascended to the throne. To commemorate this significant event, Queen Camilla donned a breathtaking Dior couture gown accompanied by a matching cape. However, amidst the splendor of French fashion, it was her necklace that truly stole the spotlight.
In a nod to the fictional Heart of the Ocean from the iconic film Titanic, Camilla adorned herself with a cherished diamond-and-sapphire necklace, which has become one of her favorite pieces, according to a British jewelry expert from Steven Stone. As the reigning queen of statement necklaces, it comes as no surprise that this exquisite piece carries both a rich history and a substantial price tag.
“It's heart-warming to see Queen Camilla wearing Queen Elizabeth II's King George VI Victoria Suite for the state dinner at the Palace of Versailles as a sweet tribute to Queen Elizabeth II,” shared Maxwell Stone, Steven Stone's resident jewelry expert via email. “Gifted to the late monarch by her father on her wedding day in 1947, the suite holds deep personal significance for Queen Elizabeth II.”
The King George VI Victoria Suite includes a sapphire and diamond cluster line necklace, a pair of sapphire earrings, and a bracelet. Notably, the bracelet was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II herself during the 1960s, making it an addition to the original set. Stone estimated the suite's value to be a staggering £5 million (approximately $6.2 million).
Camilla's gown was thoughtfully crafted with a V neckline, perfectly showcasing the necklace, while the bracelet-length sleeves allowed her shimmering accessories to catch the light. A dark clutch completed her regal ensemble.
“The incredible sapphire and diamond cluster line necklace originally featured 18 sapphires arranged in a gradient, ranging from 8 to 30 carats, before it was redesigned in 1952. The magnificent sapphires are encircled by a halo of diamonds and linked together by additional single-stone diamonds, each weighing between 0.8 and 1.5 carats. The sapphire earrings appear to be 15 carats,” elaborated Stone. “This is not the first time Queen Camilla has worn the suite, as she famously showcased it during King Charles' first state banquet, which also marked the UK's first official state visit since his ascension to the throne.”
The royal couple's state visit to France encompasses Paris, Versailles, and Bordeaux, concluding this Friday. Originally scheduled for March of this year, the visit was postponed due to widespread strikes and protests throughout France.