The History of Pearls in the UK Royal Family

Pearls have long been a favourite among royalty. From the legendary Ancient Egyptian Queen Cleopatra to 19^th-century Empress Eugénie of France, pearls have been adorned by monarchs throughout history.

The British Royal Family is no exception. Typically known for wearing white pearl jewellery of the classic variety, the British monarchy has worn these highly symbolic gems for centuries.

Below, we explore the history of pearls in the UK royal family, focusing on a few of the monarchs most associated with these ceremonial gems.

Royal pearls: a history

Queen Elizabeth I

Daughter of King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I was arguably the first UK monarch to prioritise pearls.

Worn to symbolise her famous chastity and connect herself to Cynthia, the Greek goddess of the Moon, Elizabeth’s penchant for pearls even led to the establishment of a ‘pearl pendant’ genre in portraiture.

Featured in around eleven examples of this sub-group of portraiture, Elizabeth can be seen in these paintings wearing a pendant pearl suspended from another jewel, hanging from a girdle, or sometimes paired with a bow.

One of the most iconic examples of this genre is the Armada portrait, commemorating the failed invasion of England by the Spanish in 1588. This portrait is now on permanent display at the Royal Museum of Greenwich.

Elizabeth’s love of pearls is said to have been inspired by the Médici court’s appreciation for the gems. In fact, Catherine de Médici is said to have given a famous string of pearls – known as the Hanover pearls – to her daughter-in-law Mary, Queen of Scots. Purportedly, according to one story, confiscated by Elizabeth following Mary’s beheading. Another story tells that Elizabeth the 1^st bought these Hanoverian pearls with treasury money, so when the German government tried to repatriate them, the request was soundly contested as it was proven that the pearls had be bought by British treasury funds. Hence these pearls have passed down generations of British royalty. It’s assumed that Elizabeth II had a pearl triple necklace, pearl earrings and a diadem of the same origin.

Draw inspiration from Elizabeth I with a pearl pendant of your own. Opt for a classically elegant design like our white South Sea pearl and diamond accent ‘tsarina’ pendant. Wear it solo for maximum impact or pair with the matching white South Sea pearl and diamond ‘tsarina’ stud earrings for a regal evening look.

Queen Alexandra

Wife of Edward VII and Queen Mother of George V, Queen Alexandra was well known for her love of pearls.

As the Princess of Wales, Alexandra became a notable trendsetter. Her influence was so powerful that society women imitated her limping gait after an illness left her with a stiff leg. This trend became known as the ‘Alexandra limp’.

Choker necklaces were particularly associated with Alexandra, who often paired a pearl choker with layers of diamond necklaces or other multi-strand pearl designs.

Take inspiration from Alexandra by wearing an ornate piece like our multistrand freshwater pearl choker with collar. Complete the look with a pearl cuff bracelet – our white freshwater pearl cuff design would nicely complement the choker.

Alternatively, emulate Alexandra by layering up for a regal maximalist aesthetic. Consider our white freshwater pearl ‘atlantis’ choker with a pearl lariat necklace draped over the top. Stick to the Queen’s classic white choice or add some colour with our award-winning grey freshwater pearl lariat.

Queen Victoria

Following the death of her beloved Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria shunned colour for the rest of her life, favouring black or colourless jewellery.

In the 19^th century, Queen Victoria accessorised her black outfits with long pearl strands for the next forty years of her life.

A long pearl necklace was Victoria’s design of choice, though she was also wore pearl drop earrings.

At Coleman Douglas Pearls, we offer a selection of genuine Victoriana pearl designs. Consider our grey Tahitian pearl and pear-cut diamond Victorian pendant for an eye-catching statement piece or our rare white natural pearl and diamond floral Victorian brooch.

Queen Elizabeth II

Following in her predecessor’s footsteps, Queen Elizabeth II was rarely seen without her iconic three-strand pearl necklace.

A gift from her beloved father King George VI, Elizabeth wore a three-strand pearl necklace to nearly all daytime engagements throughout her 70-year reign.

Ultimately, this pearl necklace design became part of her ‘official uniform’, alongside a coloured two-piece suit, decorative hat and black leather Launer Traviata handbag.

Wear a white multistrand pearl necklace in celebration and remembrance of Queen Elizabeth’s royal legacy. A classic design like our white biwa pearl 3 strand designclosely resembles those worn by the late monarch. Alternatively, put a twist on her idiosyncratic look with a design like our white freshwater pearl triple strand necklace. This limited-edition design has pearls of different sizes delicately layered on top of each other for dramatic effect.

Reports suggest that Princess Anne inherited Queen Elizabeth’s pearl jewellery following the monarch’s passing. At the Queen’s state funeral at Westminster Abbey, mourners wore pearls in time honoured tradition.

For the service held in Westminster Hall to receive the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, Catherine, Princess of Wales wore a pearl and diamond brooch and set of pearl and diamond earrings that once belonged to Diana. Queen Consort Camilla was also seen wearing a pearl necklace, and the Duchess of Sussex wore minimalist pearl stud earrings.

Pearls have long been the gem of choice for royal mourning due to their perception as a respectful, muted jewellery design. Our selection of pearl brooches and pearl earrings is designed for versatility, easily transitioning from day to night occasions.