When then Princess Elizabeth married the Duke of Edinburgh in 1947, just two years after the end of World War II, national celebrations were held. The future Queen was gifted several precious jewels to mark her nuptials, and the ruler of Hyderabad gifted her a sparkling necklace and tiara.
The Princess picked two items from Cartier which would become known as the Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace and the Nizam of Hyderabad Tiara.
The Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace remains a much-loved jewel in the Royal Family’s collection.
The late Queen wore it on several occasions throughout her life, including for official portraits.
The necklace is thought to be one of the most expensive royal jewels in the world, with an estimated value of more than £66million.
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But the beloved diadem was a firm favourite of the Queen Mother, who died in 2002.
So for her own personal ruby tiara, the Nizam of Hyderabad Tiara diamonds were combined with 96 rubies the Queen was gifted by the people of Burma to mark her wedding in 1947.
The floral headpiece was frequently worn by the Queen, including at a State Banquet for former French president Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008.
The three detachable floral brooches of the Nizam of Hyderabad Tiara are thought to have been retained.
