Which natural stones are most often found in royal jewellery?

The natural stones used in royal jewellery are carefully selected for both their aesthetic value and their historical and symbolic significance. These stones are often rare and precious and have been kept in treasuries by many royal families for centuries and worn on important occasions. Here are some of the most commonly used natural stones in royal jewellery:

1. Diamond

• Features: Diamond is one of the most important stones in royal jewellery due to its durability, brilliance and rarity. Pure, colourless diamonds are the most preferred, but coloured diamonds such as yellow, pink, blue are also frequently found in royal jewellery.
• Famous Crown Jewels:
  • Koh-i-Noor Diamond: This famous diamond is located in the crown of the British Royal Family and is one of the largest and oldest diamonds in the world.
  • Cullinan Diamond: The largest rough diamond in the world, the Cullinan was cut into many pieces and these pieces were used in the British Crown Jewels.

2. Sapphire

• Properties: Sapphire is a stone that is especially known for its blue tones and is very popular in royal jewelry. The blue color of sapphire is considered a symbol of loyalty and wisdom.
• Famous Crown Jewels:
  • Queen Victoria's Sapphire Tiara: This tiara used by Queen Victoria contains a large blue sapphire stone.
  • Princess Diana's Engagement Ring: Surrounded by blue sapphires and diamonds, this ring was presented to Kate Middleton as a gift for Prince William's engagement.

3. Emerald

• Properties: Emerald is preferred in royal jewellery due to its vibrant green colour and rarity. The colour green symbolises rebirth and abundance.
• Famous Crown Jewels:
  • Colombian Emerald Tiara: This tiara was part of the Russian Imperial Collection and is adorned with large emerald stones.
  • Queen Elizabeth's Emerald Tiara: Queen Elizabeth wore a tiara made of emeralds and diamonds, which is among the British Crown Jewels.

4. Ruby

• Features: Ruby is a symbol of love, passion and power with its red color. This stone is often used in royal jewellery and is one of the rare and precious stones.
• Famous Crown Jewels:
  • Burmese Ruby Tiara: Rubies gifted to Queen Elizabeth from Burma were later designed to be part of a tiara.
  • Imperial State Crown: The St. Edward's Ruby in this crown is one of the most famous stones in the British Crown Jewels.

5. Pearl

• Features: Pearl is widely used in royal jewelry as a symbol of elegance and nobility. It is often found in necklaces, earrings and crowns.
• Famous Crown Jewels:
  • La Peregrina Pearl: This large and precious pearl has been worn by many famous names, from the Spanish Royal Family to Elizabeth Taylor.
  • Queen Mary's Pearl Tiara: This tiara is part of the British Royal Family and is adorned with pearls and diamonds.

6. Lapis Lazuli

• Features: Lapis lazuli is known for its deep blue color and golden pyrite veins. Valued since ancient times, this stone is rarely but impressively used in royal jewelry.
• Famous Crown Jewels:
  • Jewels of the Egyptian Pharaohs: Lapis lazuli was frequently used by the ancient Egyptian pharaohs, and is especially abundant in the jewels found in the tomb of Tutankhamun.

7. Opal

• Features: Opal is known for its unique play of color and is often used in royal jewelry for a distinctive and impressive aesthetic.
• Famous Crown Jewels:
  • Queen's Opal Necklace: Opals, frequently preferred by Queen Victoria, have an important place in her jewelry collection.

8. Turquoise

• Properties: Turquoise has been popular in royal jewellery, especially in ancient times and the Middle East. Its blue-green colour is considered a stone believed to have protective properties.
• Famous Crown Jewels:
  • Persian and Ottoman Jewellery: Turquoise was widely used in the royal jewellery of the Persian and Ottoman Empires.

9. Amethyst

• Properties: Known for its purple color, amethyst is considered a stone of spiritual balance and protection. It is rarely but impressively used in royal jewelry.
• Famous Crown Jewels:
  • Russian Imperial Jewels: In Russia, amethyst was frequently used in royal crowns and other jewellery.

10. Jade

• Properties: Jade has long been considered a precious stone, especially in the royal families of China and Central America. This stone is a symbol of wisdom, balance and harmony.
• Famous Crown Jewels:
  • Chinese Imperial Jewels: Jade was frequently used in the jewellery of the Chinese imperial family.

Conclusion

The most commonly used natural stones in royal jewellery are precious stones such as diamond, sapphire, emerald, ruby, pearl. These stones have been used by royal families for centuries and have great historical and cultural significance in many royal jewellery. Each stone carries both aesthetic and symbolic meanings and is therefore among the most valuable pieces of royal treasures.