Oh yes, that's right lovely reader, I have now bared witness to the most magnificent collection of Her Majesty's jewels in this year's exhibition at Buckingham Palace, Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration, and I have to full-heartedly agree with Miss Marilyn Monroe that diamonds are indeed a girls/gays best friend.
Now then, the exhibition runs until October 7th (next Sunday), so you only have a week to go check it out, but I can officially tell you... it's well worth it. And let's face it, you probably won't be able to see the Queen's diamond collection displayed like this again. Take advantage people.
I gasped with surprise, my eyes watered with the sparkly reflections, and the Shirley Bassey in me just wanted to smash through the glass cabinets, put every single piece on and break into a Royal rendition of Big Spender.
No really, they are amazing, and the stories that come with some of the precious jewels are truly incredible. Some facts about the collection include:
- Over 10,000 diamonds set in works acquired by six monarchs over three centuries are on display
- Pieces include jewellery made from the world's largest diamond, the Cullinan Diamond
- Queen Victoria's mini crown is on display which includes 1,187 diamonds and measures just 9x10cm
- The Diamond Diadem, worn by George IV in 1821 and also worn by the Queen to and from the State Opening of Parliament since the first year of her reign is shown. It's set with 1,333 brilliant-cut diamonds
- The Williamson Brooch incorporates at its centre what is considered to be the finest pink diamond ever discovered
Look...
