Replica Royal Brooch
Accessorise in regal style with this spectacular reproduction of Royal proportions. An impressive replica of the late queen Elizabeth II’s Williamson Diamond brooch is to be sold at auction via Plymouth Auction Rooms. The original version of this beautiful piece is designed with an elegant floral motif, including what is considered the “finest pink diamond ever discovered.” This diamond was found in 1947 at the Mwadui mine in Tanganyika, which was owned by royalist and geologist Dr John Thorburn Williamson, whom the gemstone was named after. He gifted the stone to Elizabeth II on her wedding day after it was expertly cut into a rounded brilliant design by Briefed and Lemer of Clerkenwell. After being made Queen in 1952, the 23.6ct stone was paired with a jonquil flower setting by Frederick Mew of Cartier. In lieu of pink diamonds of the same quality, it was paired with 202 smaller diamonds. The member of the mining community, Jimmy Sudra, who was present when the stone was found as a child was reunited with it during a touching ceremonious encounter with the queen.
This replica was purchased by owner’s family on a visit to Buckingham Palace. They worked for over 20 years at the Williamson Mine from the 1950’s; so had a real connection with the piece. Although this brooch value is low, it’s an interesting relating to one of our greatest monarchs.
It will be up for auction between 1st and 14th January at the new year timed auction, with a guide price of just £50! plymouthauctions.co.uk
