DIAMONDS: How to start your own jewellery collection and keep it sparkling for longer

DIAMONDS:

How to start your own jewellery collection and keep it sparkling for longer!

From the Great Star of Africa to the ‘cursed’ Kohinoor, Queen Elizabeth II’s vast jewellery collection to how you can start your own jewellery collection, writes Royal Watcher, Costume jewellery enthusiast and Softcopy editor,

Andile Dube.

Photo taken from Facebook/ The Royal Family. DiamondsDiamondsISSUE THREE 2022 | 43 SPECIAL REPORT

The death of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s Queen Elizabeth II has left many asking who will inherit her vast jewellery collection and if the world’s most precious and famous diamonds, namely the Great Star of Africa and the Kohinoor, will be returned to their countries of origin, South Africa and India.

On 8 September 2022, the announcement by Buckingham Palace that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had “died peacefully in Balmoral” that afternoon saw an outpouring of grief from many parts of the world. While some people expressed their sadness at the death of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, others were quick to speculate on who is likely to inherit her enormous jewellery collection that dates back many years. Others pointed out the history of colonialism associated with the British monarchy. This history includes the acquiring of the worlds most famous and rare diamonds that are now centrepieces in the British crown jewels.

As Queen Elizabeth’s coffin laid in state in London’s Westminster Hall, it was draped in the Royal Standard and adorned with her symbols of power, the Imperial State Crown and the Sceptre. The two pieces of jewellery are set with some of the most famous diamonds in the world that the British empire ‘obtained’ over a 100 years ago. There is a distinction between Queen Elizabeth’s personal jewels and the Crown Jewels which are owned by the British state. The Imperial State Crown and the Sceptre are part of the Crown Jewels. Both are adorned with stones from the Great Star of Africa- also known as the Cullinan diamond which was discovered in 1905 in a mine in South Africa which was owned by Thomas Cullinan.

The Great Star of Africa is the largest gem-quality uncut diamond ever found. The first stone cut from the Great Star of Africa is called the Cullinan I. This enormous 530.2-carat drop-shaped diamond is in the Sovereign’s Sceptre. The second largest stone called the Cullinan II is set in the Imperial State Crown. The 105.6-carat Kohinoor diamond -- also spelled Koh-i-noor or Koh-i-Nûr -- was mined in India thousands of years ago and is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world. Rumour has it that the diamond is cursed when worn by men which is why when it came into the possession of the Brits, it was only worn by women.

Queen Victoria wore it as a brooch and later it was mounted in the crowns of Queen Alexandra

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Queen Elizabeth’s coffin draped in the royal standard with the Imperial State Crown on top. Photo taken from Facebook/The Royal Family.

Queen Elizabeth’s Portrait taken in June to mark 70 years on the British throne. Photo taken from Facebook/The Royal Family

and Queen Mary. Currently, this priceless diamond is set in the crown created for Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother for her coronation as Queen Consort in 1937. She wore it again at the coronation of her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953 and it will reportedly be worn by Camilla, Queen Consort, at King Charles III’s coronation. Since the beginning of time jewellery has been used to adorn the body and enhance one’s appearance. Slipping on a pair of earrings or a beautiful necklace, bracelet or brooch can brighten any dull outfit. From priceless family heirloom jewellery, to a less expensive bespoke piece or mass-produced trendy costume jewellery, jewellery doesn’t only add that perfect ‘je ne sais quoi’ to a person’s look but can also be an expression of the wearer’s emotions.

Time and time again, pieces made from pearls, diamonds, rubies, beads and so on, make perfect accessories. However, if you are not a jewellery enthusiast, shopping for the right jewellery can be tricky- there are just so many things to consider!

Queen Elizabeth II was synonymous with her jewellery, especially brooches and tiaras. Her bright coloured outfits were always complimented with her signature diamond and pearl earrings, a three-strand pearl necklace and a brooch. Most of Queen Elizabeth’s personal jewellery collection was passed down to her by her ancestors or were gifts from her family to mark special occasions. While some of us may not have the money to buy for ourselves or gift our loved ones with expensive jewellery, if we are armed with the right information we can acquire beautiful pieces without breaking the bank balance.

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Blue sapphire-and-diamond earrings and necklace by DUT Jewellery Design graduate and owner of Minimalistic Jewellery Designs, Sanele Myeni. Photo Supplied.

Jeweller and Durban University of Technology Jewellery and Manufacture lecturer, Songezo Baleni, explains that “jewellery are objects of precious/semi-precious metal often set with gems and worn for personal adornment” and may include glass beads. Explaining the difference between diamonds and pearls, Baleni says diamonds are the only gems made of a single element, meaning a diamond is typically about 99.95 percent carbon.

“Natural pearls form in the bodies, or mantle tissue, of certain molluscs, usually around a microscopic irritant, and always without human help of any kind. Then there are cultured pearls, these require human intervention and care. Today, most of the molluscs used in the culturing process are raised specifically for that purpose, although some wild molluscs are still collected and used,” he notes.

Another one of Myeni’s creation, a silver necklace with an African pendant. SPECIAL REPORT

When shopping for jewellery, he says it is important to make sure that the piece you are purchasing is hallmarked; 925 sterling silver, 9ct and 18ct gold. Taking care of your jewellery is also important for its longevity. Keeping it in its pristine glittering state takes some effort since some pieces are made from materials that tarnish over time. When worn every day or exposed to sweat or water, some jewellery can fade to a dull brass shade. It is also important to clean your jewellery from time to time, and when you do not have the money to take it to professional jewellers to clean it for you, a simple dishwashing liquid and old tooth-brush DIY trick at home can help.

925

18ct

Engagement ring and necklace by DUT Jewellery Design set with a ruby stone surrounded by beautifully cut white stones. Photo by Mbuso Nkosi.

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At Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, members of her family paid a tribute to her by wearing jewellery that belonged to her that she had gifted to them. While we don’t know who will inherit her jewellery, I am certain we will see the jewellery being worn again, especially on occasions honouring her. I myself am considering commissioning Songezo to make me a ring in celebration of completing my Master’s and who knows, maybe I will bequeath it to one of my nieces when I die, so they always have something to remember me with.

NB: The history of the British Crown Jewels was first published in an article by ABC News. You can read the full article using the link below.

https://abcn.ws/3UInt8W

Colourful glass seed beads necklace and earrings by DUT Jewellery Design. Photo by Mbuso. Nkosi.