Queen Camilla Redefined Brooch Style at Royal Ascot — With a Dazzling Display Worth an Estimated £2.3 million
This year, King Charles and Queen Camilla made a striking impression by attending all five days of Royal Ascot. Her Majesty’s jewellery choices drew particular attention – from a brooch worn by Queen Elizabeth II to mark her Golden Wedding Anniversary, to a dazzling piece featuring a diamond from Camilla’s own Coronation Crown.
With their rich history and exceptional craftsmanship, royal jewels are undoubtedly priceless in meaning – and often in value. Which led us to wonder: what’s the estimated worth of the brooches Queen Camilla wore at this year’s Royal Ascot? To find out, we chatted to Steven Stone’s leading diamond expert, Maxwell Stone, who analysed each piece.
On the opening day of Royal Ascot, Queen Camilla wore the Cullinan V brooch, featuring an 18.8-carat heart-shaped diamond originally set in platinum by Garrard in 1911. First worn by Queen Mary in her coronation crown, it was later passed to Queen Elizabeth II, who wore it frequently. Maxwell notes the brooch holds deep symbolism for Camilla as not only did it once belong to the late Queen, but it was featured in her own coronation crown in 2023. She has worn it on several occasions since, including the first garden party of 2024. With its royal legacy and exquisite design, the Cullinan V is among the most valuable crown jewels, with Maxwell estimating it to be worth a staggering £2 million.
On Day Two, Queen Camilla wore the Cambridge Cluster Emerald and Diamond Brooch, which features a vivid cabochon emerald surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds and a detachable pendant. Passed down from Queen Mary to Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, it was worn by the late Queen for her Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1997. Crafted in silver and gold, the brooch reflects Victorian-era craftsmanship and carries deep sentimental value. Symbolising renewal and enduring love, it remains a treasured royal heirloom that Maxwell estimates to be worth £40,000.
Queen Camilla wore a softly tailored off-white coat dress and a wide-brimmed Philip Treacy hat on Day Three – but it was her dazzling diamond star brooch that stole the spotlight. Known as the Lady Jardine Star Brooch, the late-Victorian piece was inherited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1981. Its maker and namesake remain a mystery, adding intrigue to its history. A long-time favourite of the late Queen, it was worn at many key events, including Christmas broadcasts and the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant. Featuring over thirty round-cut diamonds in a radiant star shape, with a delicate floral centre, the brooch is a graceful blend of sparkle and heritage. Maxwell estimates its value at around £120,000.
For the penultimate day of the prestigious event, Queen Camilla wore the sentimental Raspberry Pip brooch – a rarely seen jewel from Queen Elizabeth II’s private collection. Believed to be one of the late Queen’s favourites, it wasn’t publicly worn for decades until Camilla revived it at the 2023 Christmas service, and again earlier this year at St Mary Magdalene Church. Shaped like a Georgian cross, the brooch features transparent topaz and sparkling diamonds. Maxwell notes that the clarity of the topaz subtly reflects the colour beneath, adding to its understated brilliance. Taking its elegant design, rich history, and emotional resonance into account, he estimates it to be worth around £40,000.
On the fifth and final day, Queen Camilla exuded elegance in an all-white ensemble, topped with a wide-brimmed hat featuring subtle monochrome accents. Her standout accessory was a remarkable brooch not seen in public since 1936, long preserved in the royal vault. First given to Queen Mary as a wedding gift in 1893, the brooch later became a favourite of the Queen Mother during her years as Duchess of York. Maxwell describes the brooch as having a diamond-set triple-loop bow with a central solitaire, from which a delicate chain suspends a floral pendant encrusted in brilliant-cut diamonds – a stunning example of historic craftsmanship. He values it at approximately £80,000.
Queen Camilla’s brooches at Royal Ascot beautifully blend a respectful nod to tradition with a fresh spotlight on some of the crown’s most cherished heirlooms. Together, this exquisite collection is valued at an impressive £2.28 million.
Written by Laura Dean
Laura Dean is the digital PR lead for UK jeweller Steven Stone, bringing over a decade of experience in both music PR and journalism. A published music writer for the past 11 years, she has covered everything from intimate club gigs to major festival stages. Laura studied Criminology and Psychology at Leeds Beckett University and combines her understanding of human behaviour with a sharp eye for storytelling. When she’s not crafting campaigns or writing about music, you’ll find her at live shows or curating her ever-growing vinyl collection.