In 1947, Princess Elizabeth received a wedding gift unlike any other—a dazzling tiara and necklace from the Nizam of Hyderabad, valued at a staggering $88 million today.
As per The Mirror, this extraordinary present was designed by Cartier, allowing the young princess to select intricate details herself.
Known as one of the wealthiest individuals of his time, the Nizam of Hyderabad offered this gift as a gesture of grandeur, granting Princess Elizabeth free rein over the designs.
The tiara featured detachable flower brooches, while the necklace, adorned with diamonds weighing between 250 and 300 carats, became one of the most iconic royal jewellery pieces.
After ascending the throne in 1952, Queen Elizabeth II often wore the tiara at white-tie events, exuding regal sophistication. Her love for brooches also led her to repurpose the tiara’s central gemstones into three separate brooches later in her life.
As per The Express, this ensured the stunning jewels were used more frequently.
The necklace, now considered one of the most expensive pieces of royal jewellery globally, is valued at over £66 million.
Daena Borrowman, Marketing Manager at Jewellerybox, remarked, “The magnificent Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace, considered to be the most expensive piece of royal jewellery in the world, was a wedding gift to Princess Elizabeth from one of the richest people in the world,” as reported by The Mirror.
The tiara was loaned to the Princess of Wales on her wedding day and has since been worn by her at various public appearances. Following the late Queen’s passing in September 2022, the necklace was passed down to Queen Camilla, who has frequently showcased it at official events.
