History of Famous Jewels and Collections: Objet : SHEIKH RASHID DUBAI

SHEIKH RASHID SAPPHIRE SUITE

The suite was given by Sheikh Rashid of Dubai to queen Elizabeth when she visited Dubai in 1979. It was made by Asprey.

The queen has only wore this necklace a couple of times. The set has been transformed.
The necklace has been shortened and the smallest loops-clusters from it have been removed to make a new pair of earrings.

The three other clusters (earrings and ring ) have been used as the centerpiece of a new bracelet.

Menkes's book page 148, shows a picture of gifts received in 1979, from Sheikh Rashid. They are the sapphire suite,a gold camel and palm trees hung with rubies as dates, also a silver salver. The camel was on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Field says on page 147:

"The Queen has many pieces of sapphire jewellery, either inherited or given as gifts by her family. In addition, she was presented with a magnificent suite of a necklace, earrings and ring by Sheikh Rashid when she visited Dubai in 1979.

Made by Asprey, the perfectly matched sapphires are so large and the looped design of the diamond necklace with it sapphire cluster pendants is so ornate that the Queen is reported to have exclaimed in amazement when she saw it".

She later used the stones from the earrings and ring to make a bracelet; and shorterned the necklace by two clusters which were turned into earrings.

1979/02/25- SHEIH RASHID - GIFTS DURING HER VISIT DIAMOND SAPHIR-GOLD CAMEL-ROYAL PALACE DUBAI