London: A dazzling diamond necklace, part of a special wedding set gifted to Queen Elizabeth II by the Nizam of Hyderabad over 60 years ago, is creating a buzz after its latest outing during a gala evening in the British capital.
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, borrowed the Cartier set from her grandmother-in-law for a night out at the National Portrait Gallery on Tuesday and the famously extravagant Nizam's jewels were the star attraction.
Middleton paired the necklace with a dark Jenny Packham dress for a fundraiser in her role as patron of the gallery. The event marked a celebration of the work of acclaimed authors who have written special 'Pen Portraits' to be sold to raise money for the gallery.
"I just wanted to say how delighted I am to be here this evening to celebrate the fantastic work of the National Portrait Gallery," Middleton, the wife of Prince William, said in her first major royal outing since giving birth to Prince George last July.
The jewellery set was presented to Queen Elizabeth in 1947, when she was still a princess, for her wedding to Prince Philip.
The Nizam's entire gift set for the future Queen of England included a diamond tiara and matching necklace, whose design was based on English roses. The tiara has three floral brooches which can be detached and used separately.
According to the blog Artemisia's Royal Jewels, Cartier made the necklace consisting of 38 diamonds with a diamond-encrusted snap. A detachable double-drop pendant, made of 13 emerald-cut diamonds and a pear-shaped drop, makes up the pave-set centre of the necklace.
The Pen Portraits were on sale at the National Portrait Gallery for 500 pounds each, along side a special display of mystery portrait postcards at 250 pounds each. All funds raised were donated to the gallery's work to organise exhibitions and displays and carry out research.
