History of Famous Jewels and Collections: Re: Queen Elizabeth the QueenMother. Opal and diamonds

Dear Beth,

I thank you for your kind answer.

Indeed she was wearing the turquoise brooch in your first photos.

However, she was given a large opal brooch during the tour in Australia (Press articles).

I think that the Duchess of York was wearing the opal brooch for the visit to Mt Cootha in Brisbane.

Previous Message

Franck, the various reports in the Australian press of QEQM wearing a large opal brooch during the tour turned out to be the brooch from the turquoise parure which George V gave her as a wedding gift. (A couple of press reports got it correct and stated it was a turquoise)

For years, I assumed the brooch had an opal, but you pointed out some time ago that it was the turquoise.

QEQM wore it to the Opening of Parliament in Canberra.

A closer view

What has always intrigued me is the brooch HM wore for a visit to Mt Cootha in Brisbane. It has a large central stone. I don't think we have ever identified it.