What's Inside Queen Elizabeth's Controversial Jewelry Vault?

In a monarchy that has existed for more than 1,200 years, it is no surprise that Queen Elizabeth possesses some of the best jewels in the world today. Inside her highly controversial jewelry vault are priceless pieces of jewelry she has inherited from her lineages, treasures especially customized for her and jewels gifted to her.

For many British women, Queen Elizabeth’s jewelry collection is a castle in the air. Inside this precious vault are iconic pieces that include diamond-encrusted tiaras, brooches and necklaces. In a 2019 Channel documentary, a royal expert offered a glimpse of Her Majesty’s jewelry box, exposing at least 300 pieces of superior jewels.

According to Crown Chronicles founder Victoria Howard, Queen Elizabeth’s jewel vault is so huge that it contains never-before-seen pieces. “The Queen’s jewel vault is huge,” she said. “We still get pieces coming out today that we did not know existed.”

Royal correspondent Katie Nicholl also revealed that the Queen’s jewelry box is rich in history. “From diamond encrusted tiaras to exquisite brooches, to wonderful necklaces. The full royal suit. A royal lady is never completely dressed until she has put on her jewels,” she said. “In the vault, there are so many iconic pieces. The jewelry tells a story, it is rich in history. I think it is immediately identifiable,” she added.

Of all the peerless pieces in her collection, Queen Elizabeth’s favorite is a pair of pearl earrings known as Queen Mary’s Button Earrings, which feature a tiny diamond on top. Queen Elizabeth usually wears this pair of earrings when attending her daytime engagements. Photographs of her during Princess Eugenie’s, Prince Harry’s and Prince William’s weddings also show the Queen donning her favorite pair.

Queen Elizabeth considers Queen Mary’s Button Earrings as one of her most precious possessions, primarily because it comes from the collection of her grandmother, Queen Mary, who died in 1953. The pair of earrings is just one of the many pieces she inherited from the previous Queen, whom she fondly calls “Granny.”

The Queen’s jewelry vault also includes the Imperial State Crown, which she wore on the day of her coronation. Set with 2,868 diamond pieces, the crown was originally made for the coronation of King George VI in 1937.