It was June 1919, just seven months on from the end of the First World War.
And Queen Mary, attending what was the first Wimbledon Championships in four years, showed that things were on the up with her choice of jewels.
She arrived to present the trophies alongside her husband King George V wearing an enormous brooch pinned at her neckline and a large pendant that hung from a chain and rested on her chest.
The brooch was a large oval-shaped pink topaz, while the pendant was the same stone but cushion-shaped.
More than 30 years later, in 1950, Mary watched the tennis wearing pearl strands and a bejewelled floral brooch pinned to her dress at the throat – before presenting the Venus Rosewatcher Dish to women’s singles winner Louise Brough.
Evolution of Royal Jewels at Wimbledon
In 1957, her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II was wearing a three-strand pearl necklace given to her by her late father King George VI – along with matching earrings and a delicate diamond floral brooch – when she presented the salver to winner Alethea Gibson.
Like Queen Mary’s, those jewels were impressive – but the sight of the Queen wearing them did not match her sister Princess Margaret’s outing in 1965, when she was spotted in the royal box with sunglasses on, cigarette in hand and a fabulous diamond brooch pinned to her shoulder.
When Princess Diana watched proceedings at Wimbledon in 1981 – just days before her wedding to Prince Charles – she showed off her diamond and sapphire engagement ring, along with a single strand pearl necklace, a Patek Philippe gold watch and a gold bracelet.
As for Kate Middleton, the current Princess of Wales, her jewels have wowed at Wimbledon too – such as the Brora gold charm earrings she displayed in 2016.
Passing Down Royal Jewels
Queen Mary gave the pieces she wore in 1919 to her daughter-in-law Princess Alice, and they now belong to the Duchess of Gloucester.
The large topaz is often swapped into the Gloucester Honeysuckle Tiara, while the cushion-shaped pendant is in a bracelet.
Intricate Designs and Historical Significance
Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Brooch, heirloom jewelry, was bequeathed to her following her grandmother’s death and became a favorite of her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II.
Princess Margaret’s Carinthia Floral Spray Brooch, dating back to the 19th century, was presented to commemorate special events and is now worn by her daughter Lady Sarah Chatto for formal occasions.
Modern Royal Jewels at Wimbledon
The younger generation of royal ladies, such as Kate Middleton, have opted for simpler jewelry choices at Wimbledon, showcasing modern designs while maintaining an elegant and timeless look.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has also made sophisticated jewelry choices, like her beautiful diamond engagement ring and gold bar studs.
