An exhibition featuring portraits of the Queen taken at the start of her reign and jewelery from the time has opened at Buckingham Palace. The exhibition titled 'The Queen's Accession' is part of the 70th anniversary celebrations of the Queen's accession to the throne. The Nizam of Hyderabad necklace, worn by the Queen for a long time, is the most notable in the exhibition. This Amulya necklace was given as a wedding gift to the Queen by Asaf Jah VII, the then Nizam of Hyderabad in 1947.
The Nizam of Hyderabad was one of the richest men in the world at that time. The Nizam had instructed jeweler Cartier that the queen should personally choose the wedding gift. Queen Elizabeth chose this platinum necklace set with 300 jewels.
The Queen has worn this necklace on many occasions throughout her reign. An official portrait of the Queen taken by Dorothy Wilding days after her coronation also shows the Nizam of Hyderabad wearing the necklace. This photograph was later used as the official portrait of the Queen on British stamps and in embassies and regiments around the world. This photo is also on display till October 2.
Grandson Prince William's wife Kate Middleton was given this necklace to wear on two occasions. This was when it arrived at the National Gallery in 2014 and at the Diplomatic Core Reception in 2019.
The Nizam of Hyderabad necklace is one of the most prized jewels owned by the royal family.
The Daily Express reports quoting Dana Borrowman, marketing manager of the jewelery box, that it will cost more than £66 million (roughly Rs 632 crore).
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