In her collection, the Greville Ruby floral Bando necklace is particularly notable; it is both elegant and historic. The necklace originally belonged to Mrs Ronald Greville, who bought it in 1907. A close friend of Queen Elizabeth, Mrs Greville left her jewellery to the Queen upon her death in 1942. The stunning piece was given to Princess Elizabeth by her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, on her wedding day in 1947.
The Queen Mother treasured the necklace and regularly wore it to state events until the 1960s. In the 1980s, the necklace was returned to the royal treasury, only to resurface in 2017 when Princess Catherine borrowed it for a party in Spain. This was a pivotal moment in her journey as a senior royal.
She paired the necklace with Queen Mary's Lovers' Knot Tiara and Princess Diana's Collingwood pearl earrings, which complemented her Jenny Packham dress. The media praised her choice of jewellery as a combination of royal tradition and modern fashion. The Queen wore the necklace again in 2018 at a Commonwealth dinner. In December 2019, Catherine wore the Greville Ruby necklace again at a diplomatic reception, pairing it with the Lovers' Knot Tiara.
This pairing shows her growing influence within the monarchy and her ability to combine tradition with contemporary style. Every time Catherine wears the Greville Ruby Bando Flower Necklace, it is for important royal events, elevating its status and symbolising continuity within the royal family. With a rich history tied to the Queen Mother, this necklace represents the enduring legacy of the British royal family.
It serves as more than just a piece of jewelry, it is a connection to the past and a reflection of Catherine’s evolving role. As she continues to represent the royal family globally, this exquisite piece is likely to make more appearances, adding to its illustrious legacy.