In 1946, Princess Elizabeth launched the oil tanker British Princess at the Deptford Shipyard of Sir James Laing & Sons'.
The brooch is of 21 diamond pavee petals in different sizes and the center consists of of a cluster of faceted sapphires. The stem is of diamonds with a pear-shaped faceted sapphire like a bud.
The Princess was given a diamond and sapphire brooch in the form of a flower set in platinum by Mr. W.B. Marr as a memento from the builders, Sir James Laing and the owners, Anglo-Iranian Oil Company. Engraved on the silver box containing the brooch was a picture of the ship as she will look at sea.
After launching the tanker, Princess Elizabeth paid tribute to the men who served in the tankers during World War II as part of the Merchant Navy. "The memory of those ships and of the men who served in them can never be lost. It will live for ever."
The British Princess Chrysanthemum brooch became one of the Princess' favourite brooches. From the book: "She wore it at Princess Anne's christening and in 1952, as Queen, for her first Christmas Day broadcast.” It has been worn frequently through the decades.
Sources: Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette; Nottingham Journal; The Queen's Jewellery Sheila Young; Sparkler, Royal Jewels of the World, 2007;
Special thanks to Laura..
