Cover Photo: Bulgari

At the heart of the high jewellery masterpiece is a carved 63.44 carat Zambian emerald

With Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations set to kick off on May 12, Bulgari has revealed its contribution to the festivities: the Jubilee Emerald Garden high jewellery tiara.

Conceived as a tribute to the British royal, the Italian luxury jeweller created the sparkling piece out of platinum—a nod to the Queen’s 70th anniversary as a monarch—and emeralds, exquisitely designed to resemble a floral bouquet.

The highlight? A magnificent 63.44 carat Zambian emerald, which has been masterfully carved to feature a lotus flower, a symbol of purity and eternity.

Read more: Here’s How Queen Elizabeth II Is Celebrating Her Platinum Jubilee

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'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 6 Photo: Bulgari
Photo 2 of 6 Photo: Bulgari
Photo 3 of 6 Photo: Bulgari
Photo 4 of 6 Photo: Bulgari
Photo 5 of 6 Photo: Bulgari
Photo 6 of 6 Photo: Bulgari

Elaborating on the process behind the piece, Bulgari high jewellery creative director Lucia Silvestri said: “I was inspired by the Queen, a strong and powerful woman, an icon of our times, and by her historic admiration of emeralds to design a piece centred around this striking carved emerald, which showcases Bulgari’s mastery in craftsmanship and creativity.”

A showcase of mastery indeed, according to Bulgari, the construction of the tiara took over 1,500 hours by a master goldsmith and a team of five, including two craftsmen who were dedicated to setting the glittering green gemstones.

But that’s not all. As precious as it looks, the Jubilee Emerald Garden high jewellery tiara is also transformable, allowing the Queen to wear it crowned upon her head or as necklace.

The tiara stays true to Bulgari’s design ethos that was once described by the Roman brand’s vice president: “The same jewel should be worn both to a picnic and to a grand ball.”

Read more: Bulgari's Lucia Silvestri Shares Her Favourite Magnifica High Jewellery Pieces

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Above Photo: Bulgari
Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Bulgari

The Queen will certainly have plenty of opportunities to wear it during her Platinum Jubilee this year. And she can pair it with the matching Divas’ Dream high jewellery watch, also made by Bulgari in honour of the celebrations.

The timepiece is a twinkling marvel, crafted from white gold and marked by eight Zambian emeralds cut in a fan shape, weighing over 18.4 carats in all. The verdant gems are complemented by snow-set diamonds on the dial, as well as the pavé-set stones that adorn the case and the bracelet. The whole piece took over 1,000 hours to complete.

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Together with the tiara, the watch forms the Jubilee Emerald Garden high jewellery set, the latest in Bulgari’s legacy of creations for its exceptional—and regal—clientele, including Princess Grace Kelly, Queen Letizia of Spain and Queen Rania of Jordan.

The use of emeralds is also a teaser of things to come, as Bulgari gears up to reveal its new high jewellery collection centred on the green gems.

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Above A close-up look a the making of the Divas’ Dream high jewellery watch (Photo: Bulgari)

Green seems to be a significant colour for Queen Elizabeth this year. In April, she posed for a birthday portrait wearing a coat in a dark green shade much like late Prince Philip’s official livery colour. The photograph, which features the 96-year-old royal standing alongside two white ponies, coincidentally mirrors the hues seen in Bulgari’s twinkling tributes.

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