Sapphire Jubilee Snowflake Brooch

One of the most recognizable symbols of the Queen are the glittering gem-encrusting brooches sparkling on her lapel. On a visit to Canada House in Trafalgar Square in July 2017 to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Queen was presented with a lovely surprise- the new Sapphire Jubilee Snowflake Brooch. Click HERE to check out the rest of the Queen’s Sapphires, and HERE for her famous Maple Leaf Brooch.

Composed of 48 Canadian sapphires of varying colour and shape and and more than 400 diamonds, including Maple Leaf certified diamonds, the design takes inspiration from the backdrop of the Canadian Arctic and celebrates the beauty and one-of-a-kind nature of the snowflake. The brooch features Canada’s only known sapphires, from a deposit discovered near the Hamlet of Kimmirut on Baffin Island. The lovely wooden box features the engraved name of it’s maker “Hillberg & Berk.”

Queen Elizabeth II was presented with the brooch on behalf of the Government of Canada to celebrate the Queen’s Sapphire Jubilee and to commemorate Canada’s 150th anniversary of confederation by outgoing Governor General David Johnston, who said:

To mark these milestones and to thank you for your selfless and devoted service to our country, we wish to present you with a special gift. We were delighted when you recently wore your maple leaf brooch in a lovely photo you shared with us on Canada Day. We know that that brooch was a gift from your father to your mother on the occasion of her first visit to Canada in 1939. Today, 78 years later, on behalf of all Canadians, I have the honour of presenting you with a special companion to your maple leaf brooch — a snowflake, shaped like the North Star. This brooch was specially handcrafted for you and features unique Canadian beluga sapphires from Baffin Island in Nunavut and diamonds from northern Canada. We hope that you will be pleased with this gift from the people of Canada and that it will serve as a reminder of the immense affection in which you are held.”

CEO and Founder of Hillberg & Berk, Rachel Mielke, said:

I can think of no other woman who better represents what sparkle truly means to us. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a symbol of strength and inspiration, not only to Canadians, but to people around the world. Being chosen to create this truly one of a kind brooch on behalf of the Government of Canada is a tremendous honour. We are so humbled to have created this special piece for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”

Embed from Getty Images

The Queen wore the Sapphire Jubilee Snowflake Brooch for the first time for a visit by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium at Windsor Castle in July 2018, almost a year after it was gifted!

Screen Shot 2017-07-19 at 6.23.42 PM.png

About

Hillberg & Berk’s handcrafted pieces are designed to last throughout time. Currently, their jewellery is sold through five corporately owned retail locations in Regina, Saskatoon and Edmonton, sold at 90 retailers across Canada and online at hillbergandberk.com. The company also created the Queen’s Saskatchewan Tourmaline Flower Brooch, a gift from the Lieutenant Governor in 2013.

I would like to thank Hillberg & Berk and Ricky Zayshley for sending me the information, images, press release, and video. All information and images are copyrighted to Hillberg & Berk and they cannot be copied or reproduced without permission.

Leave a Reply