Princess Margaret's Jewelry Collection; The Most Beautiful and Expensive Pieces She Ever Wore.

Few members of the British royal family embraced glamour quite like Princess Margaret. As the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, she combined royal tradition with a love of fashion, art, and dazzling jewellery, creating an unmistakable style that captivated the public for decades. Unlike many working royals, Margaret viewed jewellery not simply as ceremonial adornment but as a reflection of her personality. She inherited historic royal treasures, received magnificent gifts, commissioned elegant pieces from Britain's leading jewellers, and became closely associated with some of the 20th century's most iconic tiaras. Many of these jewels accompanied her at state banquets, royal tours, premieres, and glamorous society events, while others became famous through unforgettable photographs that are still recognized around the world. From timeless diamond necklaces to spectacular royal tiaras, these remarkable creations represent both extraordinary craftsmanship and fascinating royal history. Today we're counting down the 10 most valuable jewels Princess Margaret ever owned, beginning with a beautiful Cartier brooch and ending with the legendary tiara that became her signature. 10. Cartier Diamond Floral Spray Brooch. Princess Margaret had an undeniable appreciation for fine brooches, and one of the most elegant examples in her collection was a spectacular Cartier Diamond Floral Spray Brooch. Created by the renowned French jeweler Cartier, the piece reflected the company's mastery of transforming nature into sparkling works of art. Crafted entirely from diamonds arranged as delicate blossoms and leaves, the brooch displayed the graceful three-dimensional styling that made Cartier one of the preferred jewelers of European royalty throughout the 20th century. Margaret wore the brooch on numerous official engagements, often fastening it high on the shoulder of evening gowns or formal coats, allowing it to stand out against richly colored fabrics. Although smaller than many of her tiaras or necklaces, the brooch demonstrated her talent for styling jewelry with understated sophistication. Rather than reserving it only for grand occasions, she frequently incorporated pieces like this into daytime royal appearances, showing that exceptional jewels could also be versatile. Floral brooches enjoyed renewed popularity during the mid-20th century, but Cartier's craftsmanship elevated this example far above ordinary jewelry. Each diamond was carefully positioned to maximize brilliance while maintaining the natural movement of petals and leaves. Similar vintage Cartier diamond brooches with royal provenance have achieved impressive prices at auction, and specialists estimate that Princess Margaret's example would likely command between $300,000 and $500,000 if offered for sale today. 9. The Tech Diamond Hoop Necklace Princess Margaret's jewelry collection included several elegant diamond necklaces, but among the most graceful was her Tech Diamond Hoop Necklace. Featuring a row of graduating diamond spikes suspended from a brilliant diamond base, the necklace reflected a design that became fashionable during the Edwardian era and remained a favorite among British royalty for generations. The necklace was particularly suited to Margaret's glamorous evening wardrobe. She often paired it with strapless gowns and elaborate hairstyles at royal banquets, charity galas, and diplomatic receptions, allowing the diamonds to catch the light beautifully under palace chandeliers. Unlike more heavily ornamented necklaces, its clean, symmetrical design emphasized the remarkable quality of the diamonds themselves, rather than elaborate decoration. The hoop necklaces have long been admired for their versatility and timeless elegance. Their balanced proportions complement a wide variety of formal fashions, which explains why similar designs continue to appear in modern high jewelry collections from leading houses. Margaret appreciated classic pieces that never appeared outdated, and this necklace perfectly reflected that philosophy. Jewelry experts value comparable antique diamond necklaces with royal associations between $500,000 and $700,000, depending on provenance and craftsmanship. While less famous than her celebrated tiaras, the necklace remains an excellent example of the refined diamond jewelry that defined Princess Margaret's public image throughout much of her royal life. 8. Queen Mary's Diamond Riviera Necklace Among the most magnificent necklaces worn by Princess Margaret was the historic Diamond Riviera Necklace originally associated with Queen Mary. A Riviera Necklace is characterized by a continuous line of graduated diamonds that creates an uninterrupted ribbon of brilliance around the neck, and Queen Mary's example ranks among the finest ever worn by the British royal family. Rather than belonging exclusively to Margaret, the necklace formed part of the wider royal collection and was loaned to her for important occasions. She wore it during state banquets, official portraits, and prestigious evening events, where its understated elegance perfectly complemented elaborate gowns and royal decorations. Unlike necklaces featuring colored gemstones or decorative motifs, a Riviera relies entirely on the exceptional quality and matching of its diamonds, making craftsmanship especially important. The necklace demonstrated Margaret's preference for timeless glamour over passing fashion trends. While she enjoyed bold jewelry, she also understood that a perfectly matched row of brilliant diamonds possessed an elegance that never faded. Historic photographs frequently show the necklace paired with one of her famous tiaras, creating a striking combination of royal magnificence. Because historic diamond Rivieras of comparable quality are exceptionally rare, experts estimate that Queen Mary's necklace would likely be worth between 1.5 and 2.5 million dollars today, with its royal provenance making it even more desirable to collectors. 7. The Persian Turquoise Tiara. One of the most colorful tiaras ever worn by Princess Margaret was the striking Persian Turquoise Tiara. Unlike the diamond-only tiaras typically associated with the British royal family, this remarkable piece combines brilliant diamonds with vivid turquoise stones, creating a distinctive appearance unlike almost any other royal jewel. The tiara traces its origins to a collection of turquoise jewelry presented to Queen Elizabeth II as a wedding gift in 1947 by the people of Iran. The gemstones were later incorporated into an elegant tiara producing a design of diamond scrollwork punctuated by vibrant turquoise gems. Although it belonged to Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret wore the tiara on several formal occasions, where it became one of the most unusual pieces associated with her collection. Turquoise has been admired for thousands of years and was traditionally believed to symbolize protection, prosperity, and good fortune. Its vivid blue-green color offered a refreshing contrast to Margaret's more familiar all-diamond jewels, making the tiara especially eye-catching in color photography as it became increasingly common during the 1950s and 1960s. Comparable historic tiaras featuring natural turquoise and diamonds are exceptionally uncommon, particularly those connected to reigning royal families. Taking into account its craftsmanship, rarity, and royal provenance, specialists estimate that the Persian Turquoise Tiara would likely be worth between $2 million and $3 million today, making it one of the most distinctive jewels Princess Margaret ever had the privilege of wearing. 6. Gerard Ruby and Diamond Bracelet Princess Margaret had a well-known fondness for colorful gemstones, and one of the finest examples in her collection was her Gerard Ruby and Diamond Bracelet. Created by Gerard, the crown jeweler for much of the 19th and 20th centuries, the bracelet showcased a series of richly saturated rubies framed by brilliant cut diamonds. The combination of deep red gemstones and sparkling white diamonds created a timeless design that was both elegant and unmistakably regal. Margaret frequently wore the bracelet at evening receptions, state banquets, and formal royal engagements, often pairing it with ruby jewelry. Unlike many royal bracelets that spent much of their lives in vaults, this piece appears in numerous photographs throughout the 1950s and 1960s, reflecting Margaret's preference for wearing, rather than merely collecting exceptional jewelry. Rubies have long ranked among the world's most valuable gemstones, prized not only for their rarity, but also for their rich symbolism. Throughout history, they have represented love, courage, and power, making them especially popular among European royal families. Gerard selected stones of closely matched color and clarity, surrounding them with diamonds that enhanced the intensity of the rubies without overwhelming them. Comparable Gerard Ruby and Diamond Bracelets from the mid-20th century have achieved impressive auction prices, and when combined with Princess Margaret's royal provenance, specialists estimate that this bracelet would likely command between $2 million and $3 million if it were offered for sale today. Art Deco Five-Row Pearl and Diamond Necklace. Princess Margaret's Art Deco Five-Row Pearl and Diamond Necklace was one of the most elegant pieces in her personal jewelry collection. Dating from the early 20th century, the necklace features five graduated rows of natural pearls, joined by an intricate diamond clasp in the geometric Art Deco style. Unlike many of the state jewels she wore on official occasions, this necklace belonged to Princess Margaret herself and became one of her signature pieces for portraits, gala dinners, and formal royal engagements. The necklace appeared in several of her most celebrated photographs, including portraits by Cecil Beaton, where its timeless design perfectly complemented her sophisticated fashion sense. Its understated elegance allowed Margaret to pair it with everything from evening gowns to royal orders, making it one of the most versatile jewels she owned. Following Princess Margaret's death in 2002, the necklace was included in the landmark Christie's auction of her personal jewelry in 2006. The sale attracted intense international interest as collectors competed for pieces with impeccable royal provenance. Today, taking into account its exceptional craftsmanship, royal ownership, rarity, and strong auction history, jewelry experts estimate the necklace would likely command between $2 million and $3 million if it returned to the market. 4. Garrard Ruby and Diamond Necklace. The centerpiece of Princess Margaret's celebrated ruby jewelry was an extraordinary Garrard Ruby and Diamond Necklace. Featuring a series of vibrant rubies separated and framed by brilliant diamonds, the necklace displayed the refined craftsmanship for which Garrard had become internationally renowned. Together with the matching bracelet and earrings, it formed one of the finest colored gemstone suites regularly worn by a British royal during the 20th century. Margaret reserved the necklace for prestigious evening occasions, including state banquets, royal galas, and formal receptions attended by heads of state. Resting elegantly along the neckline, the necklace added rich color without competing with the elaborate gowns or tiaras she often wore. Historic photographs reveal how effectively the deep red gemstones contrasted with white satin dresses and royal blue sashes, creating some of the most memorable images of her public life. High-quality natural rubies are significantly rarer than diamonds of comparable size, particularly those displaying the vivid pigeon's blood color so highly prized by collectors. Even without confirmed Burmese origin, exceptional rubies of this quality command substantial values in today's market. When complete ruby suites appear at auction, they consistently attract strong international interest, especially if they carry distinguished provenance. Taking into account the quality of the gemstones, Garrard's reputation, and Princess Margaret's ownership, specialists estimate that the necklace alone could be worth between three million dollars and five million dollars today, making it one of the most valuable necklaces she ever wore. Three, the Lotus Flower Tiara. Among the many tiaras associated with Princess Margaret, few are as elegant as the Lotus Flower Tiara. Instantly recognizable for its graceful diamond arches resembling blooming lotus petals, the tiara combines delicate design with remarkable versatility, making it one of the most admired pieces ever worn by the British royal family. The tiara's origins date back to the 1920s, when Queen Elizabeth, later known as the Queen Mother, had it created using diamonds from a necklace she had received as a wedding gift. Princess Margaret later wore the tiara at numerous royal functions, where its distinctive silhouette complemented her sophisticated evening style. Unlike heavier Victorian tiaras, the Lotus Flower Tiara reflected the lighter, more geometric aesthetic that became fashionable during the Art Deco period. Margaret's appearances wearing the tiara helped cement its reputation as one of the royal family's most beautiful diamond headpieces. Decades later, it gained renewed international attention after being worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, introducing the historic jewel to a new generation of royal enthusiasts. Large historic diamond tiaras rarely come to market, making valuation difficult. However, based on comparable royal quality pieces, exceptional craftsmanship, and nearly a century of documented royal history, experts estimate that the Lotus Flower Tiara would likely be worth between $5 million and $7 million today. Its combination of elegance, history, and continued use ensures its place among the greatest jewels ever associated with Princess Margaret. 2. Princess Margaret's Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring. Although Princess Margaret owned some of the most spectacular royal jewels of the 20th century, one of her most personal pieces was undoubtedly her engagement ring. In 1960, photographer Antony Armstrong Jones proposed with a distinctive ruby and diamond ring that immediately stood apart from the more traditional royal engagement rings of the era. At its center sat a rich red ruby surrounded by brilliant diamonds arranged to resemble a rosebud, a subtle tribute to Margaret's middle name, Rose. Unlike the large solitaire diamonds favored by many royal brides, the ring reflected Margaret's individuality and appreciation for unique design. The floral-inspired cluster created a romantic appearance while maintaining the elegance expected of a senior member of the royal family. Following the announcement of their engagement, the ring appeared in newspapers around the world and became one of the most recognizable royal engagement rings of its generation. Princess Margaret wore the ring throughout her marriage, and it remained closely associated with one of the most talked about royal weddings of the 20th century. Their ceremony at Westminster Abbey in 1960 was the first royal wedding to be broadcast live on television, allowing millions of viewers worldwide to admire the ring up close. Although modest in size compared with some modern royal engagement rings, its exceptional provenance dramatically increases its significance. Specialists estimate that if the ring were ever offered at auction today, its royal history and iconic design could place its value between $500,000 and $800,000, far exceeding the worth of its gemstones alone. 1. The Poltimore Tiara. No jewel is more closely associated with Princess Margaret than the magnificent Poltimore Tiara. Completed by Garrard in 1870 for Lady Poltimore, wife of the second Baron Poltimore, the elaborate diamond tiara features intricate scrollwork, graduated diamond clusters, and detachable elements that allow it to be transformed into a necklace or several brooches. Its remarkable versatility made it one of the finest examples of 19th century British jewelry design. Princess Margaret purchased the tiara privately shortly before her wedding in 1960, rather than borrowing one from the royal collection, an unusual decision for a British princess. She wore it on her wedding day at Westminster Abbey, pairing it with Norman Hartnell's silk wedding gown. Even more famously, she later posed wearing the tiara while relaxing in a bathtub for photographer Cecil Beaton, producing one of the most iconic royal portraits ever taken and reinforcing her reputation for combining royalty with modern glamour. Following Princess Margaret's death in 2002, the tiara was sold by Christie's in London during the landmark auction of her jewelry collection. It realized £926,400, significantly exceeding its presale estimate and setting a record for the piece at the time. Since then, demand for important royal jewels has increased dramatically, leading experts to believe the tiara would command many times that figure if offered today. Combining extraordinary craftsmanship, royal provenance, remarkable versatility, and enduring cultural significance, the Poltimore Tiara is widely regarded as Princess Margaret's greatest jewel. Today, specialists estimate its value at between $10 million and $15 million, making it not only the most valuable piece she ever owned, but also one of the most famous royal tiaras in modern history. Princess Margaret's jewelry collection reflected far more than royal privilege. It revealed a woman who appreciated exceptional craftsmanship, embraced bold personal style, and understood the power of remarkable jewels to create unforgettable public moments. From elegant diamond necklaces and vibrant ruby creations to historic royal tiaras, every piece carried its own story while contributing to Margaret's glamorous image. Some remained within the royal family while others passed into private hands and achieved record prices at auction. Together, they continue to fascinate historians, collectors, and jewelry enthusiasts, ensuring that Princess Margaret's extraordinary collection remains one of the most celebrated royal jewelry collections of the 20th century.