The Royal Jewels

by Suzy Menkes

This is the first edition of one of the definitive books on the private jewel holdings by members of the British Royal family with an emphasis on Queen Elizabeth II. Suzy Menkes, OBE is a British journalist and head fashion reporter and editor for the International Herald Tribune. This book is one of the definitive reference books regarding the jewels held by the British Royal family. It has stunning color photos of all the mentioned jewels including photos of the pieces being worn.

Genres: Royalty, Jewellery, Fashion, History, Nonfiction

260 pages, Hardcover

First published November 21, 1985

Reviews

[Cathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course dated now in 2024 but this book is very thorough. First time I've read the truth about the Cambridge emeralds, so that impressed me. Photos of jewelry are just so-so as many of them are in b/w. But always nice to see photos of the Royals wearing them!

[Johannes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked, now it's a bit outdated, some of her info is now proven wrong, other is mere speculation but that's all there was back then. She has good info and may I point out how envious we all should be that she was able to dig into the vaults, to actually see some of it, I don't know whether you are but I AM! I'd also want to clarify that her point of view of the whole role of Queen Mary on the Russian Jewels affair has now been explained and yes, she had a soft spot for everything royal and even more if it were jewels but she paid above the price marke so we can close that for good.

[Heila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I looked at the pictures ... it was fun. Super fabulous close-ups and historical photos of giant diamonds, emeralds, all different crowns (I never really noticed there were different crowns). Beautiful pieces that jewelers created over the years. I really never noticed the immense size of some of the pearl drops, or cut stones. Or just how many, many diamonds there are in some of them. There are some stories that go along with them that were interesting.

[Alshia Moyez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do I even need to review this? Suzy Menkes is awesome & the jewels were to die for.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and interesting.