Throughout her tenure as the Duchess of Cambridge and now as the Princess of Wales, Catherine has captivated the public with her elegance and refined style. Often highlighted by dazzling and historically significant pieces of royal jewelry, these precious gems not only possess immense monetary value but also symbolize the rich legacy of the British monarchy.
One of the most iconic pieces in Catherine’s collection is the Nizam of Hyderabad necklace. This masterpiece of craftsmanship first made its debut when Catherine wore it in 2014 at a National Portrait Gallery Gala in London, and again at the Queen’s 2019 Diplomatic Corps reception. The necklace, steeped in history and glamour, is one of Queen Elizabeth II’s most cherished accessories.
Valued at a staggering $66.3 million, the necklace was a wedding gift to Queen Elizabeth II in 1947 from the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, who was one of the wealthiest rulers of his time. The Nizam’s wealth was legendary, and his collection of jewels remains among the largest and most valuable treasures in India. When the Indian government purchased the Nizam’s collection in 1995, it paid an astonishing $70 million.
The necklace itself is an opulent masterpiece, featuring 38 diamonds, 13 emerald-cut diamonds, and a pear-shaped drop center stone. Its intricate design and radiant sparkle make it one of the most iconic and valuable pieces in the British royal collection.
According to style experts at Jeweler Barks, this pendant holds a special place in history as it is not only a striking piece but also the most expensive royal jewelry in the world. Experts reveal that the Nizam of Hyderabad necklace, valued at $66.3 million, is the most valuable piece currently owned by any royal family. To put this into perspective, it would take the average British citizen more than 2,000 years of hard work to afford such a magnificent necklace.
This Cartier creation holds deep sentimental value for Queen Elizabeth II, symbolizing her early years of marriage to Prince Philip. The necklace is so significant that it is typically worn only on the grandest occasions, making Catherine’s appearances with it in 2014 and 2019 all the more memorable. While the necklace is generally reserved for the Queen’s private collection, its rare appearances, whether on the Queen or Princess Catherine, always captivate audiences and showcase the timeless elegance of royal jewelry.
For Catherine, wearing such a historic and priceless piece reflects her elevated role within the royal family. Every time she steps out adorned in this necklace, it becomes a moment of royal glamour and sophistication. This exquisite Cartier necklace, with its 38 dazzling diamonds, continues to be a symbol of luxury, history, and the enduring legacy of the British royal family. It is more than just an accessory; it is a piece of living history that enchants both royalty and fans alike.
Charlotte White, head of design at Europe’s largest online diamond jeweler 77 Diamonds, praised Catherine’s impeccable taste in jewelry. “She has certainly worn some of the most prized, rare, and valuable jewels in the world during her time as a royal,” White noted, giving further insight into the sheer opulence of the British Royal Family’s jewelry collection.
