The Jewels, The Tributes, The Legacy
April 21, 2026, marked what would have been the 100th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, one of the most recognized figures of the modern era. Naturally, this milestone gives us a wonderful excuse to revisit some of the most important jewels in history, worn by one of the most important and longest-reigning sovereigns of history.
Across Britain and around the world, tributes are being unveiled: memorial plans in London, a new charitable trust, commemorative gardens, exhibitions, coins, stamps, and retrospectives on the royal jewelry collection.
For those of us in the gem and jewelry world, it also highlights one of the most remarkable personal jewelry collections ever assembled — from tiaras steeped in dynastic history to brooches, great diamonds, natural pearls, colored stones, and state jewels seen by billions over seven decades.
Below is a quick look at some of today’s coverage — and the tiaras and treasures highlighted by Town & Country.
What’s Happening for the Queen’s 100th Birthday
New Queen Elizabeth Trust
The UK government is backing a new Queen Elizabeth Trust with £40 million to help restore shared community spaces, reflecting her lifelong emphasis on service and civic duty.
National Memorial in London
Plans were unveiled for a permanent memorial near St James’s Park overlooking The Mall, including a statue based on the famous 1955 portrait of the young Queen.
Royal Family Tributes
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are attending commemorative events, while Charles issued a personal message honoring his mother’s legacy.
Gardens, Coins, Fashion Exhibitions & More
Additional tributes include:
- Queen Elizabeth II Garden in Regent’s Park
- Buckingham Palace fashion exhibition
- Commemorative coins and stamps
- Official chinaware
- Even a gold-plated corgi brooch
Town & Country: Queen Elizabeth’s Most Iconic Tiaras
According to Town & Country, these are among the most famous tiaras associated with the Queen:
- The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, made by Garrard in 1893 for Queen Mary
- Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara, a 19th century Russian jewel
- Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara, also made by Garrard for Queen Mary
- Belgian Sapphire Tiara, once a 19th century Belgian necklace
- Burmese Ruby Tiara, commissioned in 1973 made by Garrard
- George IV State Diadem, an 1820 coronation crown, made for King George IV
- Queen Alexandra Kokoshnik Tiara, created by Garrard in 1888
- Brazilian Aquamarine Tiara, commissioned in 1957 made by Garrard
- The Oriental Circlet Tiara, created by Garrard in 1853
Mentioned in the “Jewels and Tiaras” feature… - Delhi Durbar Tiara, made by Garrard in 1911 for Queen Mary
- The Lotus Flower Tiara, created by Garrard in 1923 for Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother
- The Cartier Halo Tiara, commissioned by King George VI in 1936 for the Queen Mother
Tap here for Town & Country’s Guide to Queen Elizabeth’s Most Iconic Tiaras
Queen Elizabeth’s Most Glamorous Jewels (T&C Feature)
Their broader jewel retrospective includes:
- Diamond rivière necklaces
- Multi-strand pearls
- Sapphire suites
- Emerald jewels
- Historic brooches
- Cullinan diamond pieces
- State regalia jewels
- Coronation jewels
- Daily-wear pearls and brooches
- Diplomatic gift jewels from heads of state
Tap here for Town & Country’s Queen Elizabeth’s Most Glamorous Jewels and Tiaras
A Life in Jewels
Few public figures ever wore jewels so often, so publicly, and with such consistency. Whether viewed as symbols of monarchy, diplomacy, history, craftsmanship, or gemological importance, these royal jewels remain part of the visual legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.
Tap here for Garrard’s Jewellery of the Royal Family: A Garrard History, Part I
Tap here for Garrard’s Jewellery of the Royal Family: A Garrard History, Part II
Tap here for Town & Country’s Guide to Queen Elizabeth’s Most Iconic Tiaras
Tap here for Town & Country’s Queen Elizabeth’s Most Glamorous Jewels
Tap here for Town & Country’s All the Ways Queen Elizabeth II is being Honored
