The Cullinan VI and VIII Brooch

The Cullinan VI and VIII Brooch consists of a “marquise pendant (Cullinan VI), suspended from an emerald-cut stone (Cullinan VIII), set on a fine radiating platinum web in symmetrically scrolling and foliate millegrain and pavé-set brilliant border.”¹

The Cullinan VI diamond was purchased in 1908 from the diamond cutter Asscher by King Edward VII as a gift for his wife, Queen Alexandra. Shortly after becoming a widow, Queen Alexandra had it incorporated into a new circlet, although it was detachable. It was then inherited by Queen Mary when Queen Alexandra died in 1925.

The Cullinan VIII, which had been given to Queen Mary in 1910, was set in a scrolled frame, which had multiple uses. The Cullinan VI was regularly attached to Cullinan VIII after 1925.

The complete brooch was inherited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

1. The Queen’s Diamonds by Hugh Roberts p.168