The Most Expensive Royal Jewellery
6 of the Royal Family's Priciest Pieces of Jewellery
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As its name suggests, this tiara has its roots in Russian royalty. During the Russian Revolution, the tiara was rescued, along with other priceless jewels, and smuggled out of the country. Eventually, the Grand Duchess Elena Vladimirovna (mother of Princess Marina of Greece, who later became the Duchess of Kent) sold the tiara to Queen Mary in 1921. The tiara originally featured diamonds and pearls, but Queen Mary had it altered to accommodate 15 Cambridge emeralds; the original pearls can be switched in still, and Queen Elizabeth II has worn the tiara on several occasions.
In 1921, Queen Mary purchased it for £28,000; adjusted for inflation that price would be £360,000. The value, of course, has increased even more than just inflation, so the current value of the piece is likely much more than that!