History of Famous Jewels and Collections: Re: Queen Mary. Large oval pink topaz now worn by the Duchess of Gloucester

Dear Beth,

It was written in Leslie Field's book. If my memory is correct King George V gave Queen Mary a large pink topaz as a gift, either for her birthday or Christmas which was after given to Princess Margaret.

However, I have checked in Christies and it is written that the pink topaz pendant (brooch ?) was purchased by H.R.H. The Princess of Wales, later H.M. Queen Mary, in 1901 and later given to Princess Margaret.

I would like to do a post of all the pink topaz jewels worn and owned by Queen Mary.

https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/an-antique-pink-topaz-and-diamond-pendent-4718088-details.aspx

Franck

Previous Message

In December 2018 I posted an image from the Wellcome Library showing Queen Mary wearing the large oval pink topaz brooch (with a pendant) both of which are now worn by the Duchess of Gloucester as an evening jewel. See https://mb.boardhost.com/historyroyaljewels/thread/1546117414.html

Queen Mary in 1929. Photo from the Wellcome Collection.

Detail

I have now found on the Royal Collection site (RCIN 2503011) a photo of Queen Mary in 1918 wearing the large oval pink topaz as a pendant.

Detail

I recollect reading at some time that King George V gave Queen Mary a large pink topaz as a gift, either for her birthday or Christmas. I cannot remember where I read this -- perhaps in Pope-Hennessy's biography? Does anyone remember?

Obviously Queen Mary's collection of pink topaz jewels increased over time. It would be fascinating to track when she received each -- or should I say acquired each.