Queen Elizabeth II’s Brazilian Aquamarine Tiara: A Garrard Masterpiece, Modified to Become Even More Commanding
Among the many tiaras crafted by Garrard for the British Royal Family, few command attention like Queen Elizabeth II’s Brazilian Aquamarine Tiara. Towering and majestic, it showcases an impressive collection of aquamarines, gifts from the President of Brazil, presented on behalf of the Brazilian people over 15 years. Commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957, the jewel was later returned to Garrard in 1971 for some significant enhancements, including the addition of a large aquamarine at the front of the tiara.
The Brazilian Aquamarine Tiara began life as a necklace and pendant earrings—a Coronation gift to the Queen from the Brazilian President. This generous gift went on to inspire the Queen’s only tiara set with these cool–toned blue gemstones found predominantly in Brazil.
In 1957, the Queen approached Garrard with a special request: to create a tiara that complemented the aquamarine necklace and pendant, creating a suite of jewels that she could wear together. She stepped out in the complete set, which became known as the Brazilian Aquamarine Parure, shortly after the tiara was completed, wearing it to a Royal Film Performance of the musical Les Girls at the Odeon Theatre in Leicester Square.
The first iteration of the Brazilian Aquamarine Tiara featured a glittering bandeau, with three aquamarine top ornaments, surrounded by clusters of diamonds. It was soon to evolve, though, as more aquamarine jewels were added to Queen Elizabeth II’s collection, including a bracelet and brooch in 1958. Ten years later, one final gift from the people of Brazil was bestowed upon the Queen: aquamarine and diamond hair ornaments, completing her parure.
A request for alterations arrived from the Queen in 1971. Garrard’s craftsmen were tasked with adding to the Brazilian Aquamarine Tiara, with a new central ornament and four fan-shape motifs topping the bandeau. Taken from the pendant hanging from the necklace given to the Queen in 1953, the centre stone in the top ornament was replaced with a much larger emerald cut aquamarine, set vertically, more than doubling its original height.
“The Brazilian Aquamarine Tiara is the epitome of a statement jewel. A masterpiece of regal elegance, it showcases an unparalleled collection of Brazilian aquamarines, impressive in both size and beauty. ”
Claire Scott, Design and Development Director
Queen Elizabeth II travelled to Brazil once during her reign, in 1968, and received Brazil three times for state visits. She chose to wear the Brazilian Aquamarine Tiara on every occasion. Among the most colourful jewels in the Royal Collection, the last time she was photographed in the tiara was in 2017, at the Spanish State Banquet at Buckingham Palace.
Read more about Garrard’s most important creations for the British monarchy in Jewellery of the Royal Family: A Garrard History
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