The Story Behind the Nizam of Hyderabad’s Wedding Gift that Costs Millions

When Princess Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten in 1947, she received a remarkable tiara and necklace as a wedding gift, now valued at over $83 million. This gift came five years before her coronation as Queen of England. Renowned for her impeccable taste in jewelry, the late Queen Elizabeth II curated an extraordinary collection of precious pieces, which remain securely stored for the Royal Family’s use.

At the time of her wedding, Elizabeth could not have foreseen her reign lasting more than seven decades. The gift’s benefactor, the Nizam of Hyderabad, was one of the world’s wealthiest men in 1937 and was known for his frugality. He had earned the title “Faithful Ally of the British Government” for his support during British military campaigns in India. He offered the princess the unique opportunity to design a bespoke piece meant to stand the test of time.

The Queen reportedly collaborated with Cartier, following the jeweler’s guidance to let her imagination run free. Every element of the design was meticulously selected to align with her high standards. The final piece was a masterpiece, and Elizabeth wore the tiara with elegance at white-tie events throughout her life, exuding regal sophistication.

The late Queen had a deep appreciation for brooches, not only for their sparkling beauty but also for their ability to convey subtle messages during public appearances. In her later years, she repurposed the tiara by creating three detachable brooches from its central stones, ensuring she could make greater use of these valuable gems.

Daena Borrowman, Marketing Manager at Jewellerybox, explained that the Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace is regarded as the most expensive piece of royal jewelry, valued at over $83 million. She noted that the Nizam generously instructed Cartier to allow the bride-to-be to choose anything she desired from their collection. Elizabeth selected a tiara with detachable floral brooches and what is now known as the Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace.

The tiara held a special place in the Queen’s heart, as it reflected her personal style. In recent years, she lent it to the Princess of Wales, who wore it on her wedding day and continues to wear it at public events.

Following Queen Elizabeth’s death, the necklace was passed down to Queen Camilla. Since then, Camilla has frequently worn the five-strand necklace, which features a central stone of five carats and is valued at $10.4 million. With an estimated total carat weight of 250 to 300 carats, the necklace remains a symbol of enduring royal elegance.

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