The Jewels No One Was Allowed to Wear. Why Elizabeth II Locked Them Away

She had access to the most magnificent treasures in the world—a historic emerald bracelet, rich with patriotic symbols; the formidable Love Trophy Collar; Queen Alexandra's diamond "fishnet." And yet, for seventy years of her reign, these masterpieces lay in darkness. Was it a matter of taste? A fear of overshadowing the memory of her mother? Or was it simply the practicality of a woman who worried that her diamonds might "get in the soup"? Today, we are going to open those very jewel boxes.