Street Parties and Beacons - Remembering the Queen's Silver Jubilee

It is difficult to overestimate the excitement created by the Silver Jubilee of 1977. As is the case now, the nation was experiencing a period of some hardship and upheaval, and the celebrations brought cheer to millions.

On the day that Her Majesty the Queen visited Harrogate, 13th July, she was wearing an eye-catching diamond flower brooch, and a two row graduated pearl necklace. The Queen has often reached for her pearls - in fact she had two replica rows made to match the three row pearl choker given to her by her father on her wedding day.

She is by no means the first Royal to appreciate the luxury of pearls. Here are a pearl necklace and bracelet that Ogden of Harrogate made for King George V and Queen Mary to present as a gift to the impossibly stylish Princess Marina of Greece, on her marriage to Prince George, Duke of Kent in 1934.


The Royal Family have always been keen proponents of 'upcycling': Queen Alexandra was the original owner of the pearls above.  She was perhaps the pearl world's greatest champion, even regularly wearing an eleven row pearl and diamond choker, which covered her entire neck!



A popular modern style of pearl necklace is the stunning South Sea pearl row. These are the largest cultured pearls available, and are simply set, usually in quite a short length to sit on the collar-bone.  This example features pearls in several different colours, all naturally found.

Also from our own Fine Jewellery collection is this lovely 1950s diamond and ruby flower brooch, with 1.65cts of diamonds, which also comes with a matching pair of earrings.

Finally, something to mark the Silver Jubilee...

Silver needn't be a less glamorous cousin of gold or platinum, as this very contemporary Georg Jensen showpiece necklace demonstrates.


Next time:- the Ruby Jubilee of 1992