History of Famous Jewels and Collections
[ Message Archive | History of Famous Jewels and Collections ]

Posters of original research, analyses, insights etc retain all rights to their work. Such research etc cannot be used in any format without the written consent of the author.
    Re: Canadian Jubilee Snowflake brooch Archived Message

    Posted by Beth on July 16, 2018, 8:31 am, in reply to "Re: Canadian Jubilee Snowflake brooch"

    Welcome Maridje! What an informative post. This brooch is truly a Canadian piece with all the materials as well as the makers being Canadian.

    Until I read Maridje's post I had not explored much about Canadian sapphires, and wondered if they were found in a variety of colours such as those found in Sri Lanka and Australia.

    The answer is yes and no. So far I believe that only shades of blue, white and an attractive yellow have been found. See this item by the University of British Columbia. https://news.ubc.ca/2017/07/27/ubc-research-unearths-canadian-sapphires-fit-for-a-queen/

    I would love to know if these sapphires are untreated (especially the ones in HM's brooch) or if they have been heat treated to improve clarity and colour?

    Some might find this video of interest.


    Previous Message

    Canadian Sapphires

    The words “Canadian” and “sapphires” might sound incongruous — that’s because Canadian sapphires are exceedingly rare.

    In fact, the sapphires used for The Queen’s 65th Jubilee Brooch are sourced from Canada’s only known deposit, which was discovered by brothers Seemeega and Nowdluk Aqpik in 2002 near the hamlet of Kimmirut on Baffin Island.

    When Hillberg & Berk sought design inspiration for The Queen’s brooch, they found it at the source — the Canadian Arctic and the one-of-a-kind nature of a snowflake. The brooch is both very regal and authentically Canadian at the same time.

    Here are some of the elements that make this piece truly sparkle:
    • 48 Canadian sapphires of varying colour and shape, totalling 10.19carats;
    • More than 400 diamonds of varying size, including Maple Leaf certified diamonds, totalling 4.39 carats;
    • Certified 18K Canadian white gold;
    • The brooch is 61mm tall and 66mm wide;
    • The centre of the brooch is domed and set with diamonds to reflect Hillberg & Berk’s
    iconic Sparkle Ball design;
    • Sapphires surround the dome and fade from dark to light.

    HILLBERG & BERK

    Message Thread: