Queen Elizabeth II's £50 million brooch with two gigantic diamonds: See why is it special

The priceless gems that belonged to the late monarch have been handed down from kings and queens generation after generation, giving them incredible historical significance and value. Her Majesty received the diamonds as a gift from her grandmother, Queen Mary, and occasionally wore a brooch during her 70-year reign.

The magnificent brooch, affectionately referred to by the late Queen as "Granny's Chips," is made up of two gigantic diamonds, the Cullinan III and the Cullinan IV.

The two diamonds in the late Queen's heirloom are said to be valued at more than £50 million, according to jewellers' estimates, making it the most priceless brooch in history.





In addition to their incredible value, diamonds also have a fascinating past. According to scientists, the diamonds originated 250–400 miles below the Earth's surface more than a billion years ago, predating dinosaurs and all life.

The massive jewellery the Queen wore was fashioned from the Cullinan, an even larger diamond with a total weight of 3106 carats. The two Cullinan stones in this brooch, the Cullinan III and Cullinan IV, weigh 94.4 and 63.6 carats, respectively.

For her 1911 coronation, Queen Mary wore the Cullinan III and Cullinan IV diamonds. The magnificent diamonds were presented to Queen Elizabeth in 1953 when she was barely 27 years old.

Related FAQs

1. Why is the brooch special?
   It is special as the diamonds it has are rare and were formed more than a billion years ago when life did not exist on Earth.
2. At what age was the Queen given these rare diamonds?
   The Queen was given the diamonds at the age of 27.