The Icelandic jeweller Kristjan Eyjolfsson designed the brooch that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II wore at her annual private visit of this year's Chelsea Flower Show.
The brooch was inspired by the Iris Unguicularis and commissioned by the Royal Horticultural Society to be presented to Her Majesty at the Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Eyjolfsson tells us: "The brooch is made from 100% recycled British white gold and features over 100 ethically sourced gemstones, including a single conflict-free yellow diamond at its centre."
Eyjolfsson adds: "I am honoured to see Her Majesty wearing this brooch, which represents not only the RHS' gratitude for her patronage but also increased visibility of ethics and sustainability in fine jewellery. The brooch is not as glittery as some of her other pieces as it was designed to be a private piece to be enjoyed by a very famous monarch."
Eyjolfsson, who is based in the UK, has also designed a limited-edition series of pins, made from ethically sourced materials, which form part of the RHS Official Chelsea Gala Jewellery. The new pins were commissioned by the RHS Charity Gala Preview event to commemorate the Show's Centenary, which is being celebrated this year.
The pins are inspired by the Calanthe x veitchii orchid flower, which was produced in the nursery belonging to Sir Harry Veitch, who first brought the RHS Flower Show to Chelsea. Made from recycled Sterling Silver, they are set with ethically sourced yellow sapphires. In 2012 Eyjolfsson also created a pin for the RHS. All profits of the Chelsea Gala Pin will support the RHS' charitable work. The pins are available to purchase from www.kristjaneyjolfsson.com.
