The $2.5 Million Secret: Queen Camilla's Dazzling Cullinan Diamond Brooch At Royal Ascot

The spectacle of Royal Ascot is as much about the fashion and jewels as it is about the horse racing, and in June 2024, Queen Camilla ensured all eyes were on her with a legendary piece of royal history. Her choice of accessory for the opening day was the breathtaking Cullinan V Brooch, a stunning heirloom that immediately sparked global fascination and discussion among jewelry experts and royal watchers alike. This appearance marked a significant moment, showcasing one of the most valuable and historically resonant diamonds in the entire Royal Collection.

This particular brooch, featuring an 18.8-carat heart-shaped diamond, is far more than just a dazzling ornament; it represents a direct link to the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, the original 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond. By wearing this jewel, Queen Camilla not only paid tribute to her predecessors, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II, but also continued a modern tradition of bringing these magnificent, centuries-old treasures into the contemporary spotlight at one of the most glamorous events on the royal calendar. The sheer scale and provenance of the Cullinan V Brooch make it a true showstopper.

The Heart of Africa: History of the Cullinan V Brooch

The Cullinan V Brooch is a masterpiece of design and a fragment of an astonishing geological find. Its history is intrinsically tied to the world's most famous diamond, the colossal Cullinan Diamond, discovered in 1905 in the Premier No. 2 mine in South Africa.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• The Rough Diamond: The original rough Cullinan Diamond weighed an astounding 3,106.75 carats (621.35 grams). It was presented to King Edward VII in 1907.
• The Cutting: The immense stone was entrusted to the renowned Asscher family of Amsterdam, who successfully cut it into nine major numbered stones (Cullinan I to IX) and 96 smaller brilliants.
• Cullinan I & II: The two largest pieces, Cullinan I (The Great Star of Africa, 530.20 carats) and Cullinan II (The Lesser Star of Africa), are now set in the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross and the Imperial State Crown, respectively.
• The Cullinan V Diamond: The Cullinan V is an 18.8-carat, heart-shaped brilliant. It was originally set in platinum by the Crown Jeweller, Garrard, in 1911. This unique setting was designed to be part of a stomacher, a large piece of jewelry worn on the bodice, created for Queen Mary.

The Cullinan V Brooch was inherited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 from her grandmother, Queen Mary. Queen Elizabeth II wore the brooch frequently throughout her reign, cementing its status as a beloved royal heirloom. Its appearance on Queen Camilla at Royal Ascot is seen as a profound tribute to the late monarch and a powerful statement of continuity within the British monarchy.

Queen Camilla’s Dazzling Debut at Royal Ascot 2024

The choice of the Cullinan V Brooch for the opening day of Royal Ascot in June 2024 was a deliberate and high-impact fashion decision. The brooch was pinned to a pale green dress coat by Dior, perfectly complementing the vibrant atmosphere of the Ascot Racecourse.

This appearance was particularly noteworthy because it was one of the first times Queen Camilla had worn the brooch publicly since her Coronation in May 2023. At the Coronation, the Cullinan V Brooch was affixed to the front of Queen Mary's Crown, which Queen Camilla wore during the ceremony, demonstrating the stone’s versatility and historical importance.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

The heart-shaped diamond, estimated to be worth approximately $2.5 million, is a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship of Garrard and the sheer scale of the original Cullinan Diamond. Its presence on the Queen’s ensemble added a layer of sparkling history to a day dedicated to British tradition, high society, and equestrian excellence. The jewel’s brilliance caught the light, serving as a focal point for her entire outfit, which was completed with a wide-brimmed hat and elegant accessories.

The Brooch Streak: Camilla’s Royal Ascot Jewelry Tributes

Queen Camilla has established a signature style at Royal Ascot centered around magnificent brooches, often choosing pieces with deep personal or historical significance. The Cullinan V Brooch was just one highlight in a series of stunning jewels worn throughout the week, reinforcing her role as a custodian of the Royal Collection.

Her consistent use of high-profile brooches at Ascot has created a new 'brooch streak' tradition, offering a subtle yet powerful nod to the women who came before her, especially Queen Elizabeth II.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

A Look at Other Significant Jewels Worn:

• The Delhi Carved Emerald Brooch: On another day of the 2024 event, Queen Camilla wore the striking Delhi Carved Emerald Brooch. This piece, featuring a hexagonal emerald, is another historic jewel, showcasing the Queen's appreciation for varied royal treasures.
• The Cambridge Emerald Cluster Brooch: Camilla also wore the Cambridge Emerald Cluster Brooch, a grand diamond and emerald jewel set with gems that have been cherished by the royal family for generations. This choice further emphasized her theme of honoring royal lineage.
• Antique Pink Topaz Jewels: Later in the week, the Queen opted for her spectacular suite of antique pink topaz jewels, demonstrating a range that extends beyond the Cullinan collection.

By rotating these significant pieces, Queen Camilla ensures that the world's attention is drawn not only to the races but also to the incredible history encapsulated within the British Royal Jewels. The Cullinan V Brooch, with its heart-shaped elegance and staggering carat weight, remains the most talked-about piece, symbolizing the enduring legacy of the Cullinan Diamond and the continued splendor of the modern monarchy.

Topical Authority: The Enduring Legacy of the Cullinan Diamond

The Cullinan Diamond is not merely a collection of stones; it is a symbol of imperial history and the pinnacle of gemology. The fact that Queen Camilla wore the Cullinan V at Royal Ascot—a quintessentially British event—underscores the importance of the entire collection to the Crown.

The Cullinan V is remarkable because it is one of the few pieces from the original rough diamond that can be worn as a standalone brooch, making it highly visible and instantly recognizable. The heart-shaped cut is unique among the nine principal stones, offering a softer, more romantic contrast to the grand, pear-shaped Cullinan I or the cushion-cut Cullinan II.

This brooch’s appearance at such a public event serves a dual purpose: it dazzles the crowds and subtly reminds the public of the Crown’s vast and irreplaceable heritage. It connects King Charles III's reign directly to the eras of King Edward VII, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth II, reinforcing the stability and tradition of the British Royal Family in the 21st century. The Cullinan V Brooch, glittering on Queen Camilla’s coat at Royal Ascot, is a potent emblem of royal continuity and timeless elegance.