In
The Queen's Jewels Leslie Field commented under a photo of the Greville chandelier earrings that, after QEII had her ears pierced to wear the jewels, jewellers and doctors found themselves inundated with requests, Unfortunately, Field does not give a date, but photographic evidence provides some clues.
Although QEII received pendant sapphire earrings as well as the Greville chandelier earrings as wedding gifts she was not photographed wearing these immediately after her wedding.
As far as I can see from late 1947 to October 1951 all the earrings seen in photos of QEII are ones which could take clip fittings. For example the stud portion of Mary, Duchess of Gloucester's earrings (which Queen Mary had given to her prior to the South African trip) and the diamond earrings given to QEII by the Diplomatic corps members amongst others.
1949
1950 at the christening of Princess Anne
Diamond earrings from the Diplomatic corps in 1947
The clue to when QEII had her ears pierced came from a photo of the royal family at Balmoral in August 1951.
A small gold sleeper ring, which were then used to ensure the hole did not heal over, is clearly visible.
The private family holiday at Balmoral ensured that by the time QEII had to recommence official duties her ears would have healed.
Obviously the rumour mill spread the news resulting in the medical authorities announcing at the beginning of August 1951 that doctors working in the National Health system could charge a fee for ear piercing. That also ensured that non-medical people who specialised in ear piercing were keen to protect their livelihoods.
The first photos I have found where it is obvious that QEII had pierced her ears are from the Canadian trip she and Prince Philip undertook in October 1951.
Photos such as these leave no doubt.
I was also interested to note that during the north American tour, QEII is seen wearing what we call the Bahrain pearl earrings. As far as I can see they are the only pendant earrings she wore on that trip.
In Quebec
In Winnipeg
It wasn't until after her return to the UK that I noticed photos of her wearing the sapphire pendant earrings.
December 1951