From Washington to Windsor – The Brooch Making Royal Headlines
It’s fair to say the U.S. State Visit has become the defining headline of the week. From 16th to 18th September 2025, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were in the UK on a state visit – his second such visit.
They were formally received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, with the welcome including full royal pomp – processions, a guard of honour, flypasts, and the traditional pageantry one expects from such an event.
As is tradition during a State Visit, the President and First Lady exchanged official gifts with Their Majesties The King and Queen – a symbolic gesture underscoring the friendship and shared history between the United States and the United Kingdom. For Queen Camilla, they selected a vintage creation from Tiffany & Co.: a striking 18k gold flower brooch, exquisitely set with diamonds and rubies.
In a thoughtful and symbolic gesture, Her Majesty wasted no time in showcasing the brooch, wearing it just hours later at the Beating Retreat military ceremony at Windsor Castle. The occasion, steeped in tradition and pageantry, provided the perfect backdrop to debut such a meaningful gift.
To learn more about the significance of this addition to the royal jewel collection, we spoke with the jewellery experts at UK retailer Steven Stone, who shared their insights into the craftsmanship, design, and symbolism of the exquisite Tiffany & Co. creation.
According to Maxwell Stone, the brooch is a floral-inspired design crafted with layered gold leaves that radiate outward, creating a textured, sculptural effect. At its centre, four rubies encircle a central diamond, forming a vivid cluster that adds striking contrast to the gold setting. The overall design reflects a mid-20th-century style – likely from the 1950s to 1970s – when naturalistic floral motifs in yellow gold, accented with gemstones, were especially fashionable.
Maxwell notes that Queen Camilla’s decision to wear the brooch so soon after receiving it was a thoughtful gesture, symbolising her gratitude and appreciation for the gift. He values the vintage Tiffany & Co. piece at approximately £30,000.
The U.S. State Visit may be over, but it leaves behind more than diplomatic headlines – it has added a glittering new chapter to the story of the modern monarchy. With its blend of symbolism, history, and elegance, Queen Camilla’s brooch is set to be remembered as a shining emblem of a week defined by pageantry, ceremony, and international friendship.
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.