Catherine, the Princess of Wales, is renowned for her impeccable style and the thoughtful selection of jewelry she wears at various royal events. Among the many stunning pieces in her collection, the Greville Ruby Floral Bando Necklace stands out as a particularly elegant and historically significant piece.
This necklace is part of the Greville set, which was originally purchased by the prominent socialite Mrs. Ronald Greville from Boucheron in 1907. Mrs. Greville was a close friend of Queen Elizabeth, and upon her death in 1942, she left her entire jewelry collection to the Queen. Among these treasures was the exquisite Greville Ruby Necklace.
The necklace was gifted to Princess Elizabeth at her wedding in 1947 by her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. It quickly became one of the Queen Mother’s favorite pieces, frequently worn at state functions and royal events. Queen Elizabeth wore the necklace regularly until the early 1960s, after which it was returned to the royal vault.
The necklace re-emerged decades later in 2017 when Princess Catherine received it on loan from the Queen for a Spanish banquet. This event marked a significant moment in Catherine’s journey as a senior member of the royal family. On that occasion, she paired the necklace with Queen Mary's Lover's Knot Tiara and Princess Diana’s Collingwood Pearl and Diamond Earrings. The rubies and diamonds of the necklace sparkled beautifully under the grand chandeliers, perfectly complementing her Jenny Packham gown. The media widely praised Catherine’s choice of jewelry, highlighting both its royal heritage and her bold fashion statement.
In 2018, the Queen wore the necklace again at a Commonwealth dinner at Buckingham Palace. Catherine wore the Greville Ruby Floral Bando Necklace once more in December 2019, this time at the Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace. For this event, she paired the necklace with the Lover's Knot Tiara, another iconic piece with deep royal connections, once favored by Princess Diana. The combination of these two historic pieces underscored Catherine’s growing role within the monarchy and her skill in blending tradition with modern elegance. The red rubies of the necklace created a striking contrast against her white evening gown, showcasing a regal and timeless look.
Each time Catherine has worn the Greville Ruby Floral Bando Necklace, it has been during significant royal events, further elevating its status and reinforcing its importance as a symbol of continuity and tradition within the royal family. With its rich history and connection to the Queen Mother, the necklace represents the enduring legacy of the British monarchy. As Catherine continues to represent the royal family on the world stage, it is likely that this exquisite piece will make further appearances, each adding another chapter to its storied history.
