THE QUEEN'S PRIVATE DIAMOND COLLECTION with Adrian Dickens

Australian jeweller Adrian Dickens went to see Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration at Buckingham Palace and was inspired to create a presentation that tells us about the history and craftsmanship of these diamonds from a jeweller’s point of view.

His illustrated presentation offers a different perspective on the British Monarchy, and an insight to many of the more familiar personal pieces owned and worn with regularity by the Queen, and other senior members of the Royal Family.

Learn how diamonds are reworked to reflect changes in fashion. Hear the stories behind the Russian tiaras; necklaces from India; and the great South African diamonds. Discover the political role of Queen Victoria’s diadem. Understand how the Queen, Camilla and now Kate use diamonds to express political power.

ADRIAN DICKENS trained in the United Kingdom for six years and has been a fixture on the Melbourne and Sydney fine jewellery scene for over 30 years. Adrian’s knowledge of historical and recent jewellery trends are insightful. He regularly gives talks and presentations nationally and internationally. He has managed some of Australia’s fine jewellery houses and now runs Circa AD Jewels.

Sir William Dargie (Australia, 1912 – 2003)  portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, 1954 The National Museum of Australia, Canberra, 1955