The Story of Starlight: A Gift That Sparked A Legacy
Every star tells a story. Designed to be worn individually, mixed, or layered, the modern Starlight collection moves effortlessly between everyday jewellery and innovative styling. As we celebrate Starlight in our latest campaign, we reflect on the heritage and origin story of a Garrard signature motif. Discover how one extraordinary Garrard commission for Queen Alexandra ignited a new realm of possibility and expressive artistry for jewellery wearers.
An Edwardian Love Story
The gift of Stars
A parure consisting of a matching pearl and diamond broach, necklace, earrings and the Rundell Diamond Tiara were commissioned by King Edward V11 from Garrard as a wedding gift for Queen Alexandra in 1863. A showcase of the ambition of Garrard’s transformative master craftsmanship, the tiara’s diamond bandeau base lay the foundation for many alternative ways for the tiara to be worn.
Soon after their marriage, King Edward commissioned a uniquely defined star brooch as a gift for Alexandra. The Queen adored the star, with more star brooch gift commissions requested. Over the years, a total of nine stars were created. The stars were chosen by Alexandra to adorn the Rundell Tiara for special events, with a new diamond bandeau commissioned in 1866 to hold all nine stars; a bold and pioneering example of the versatility, creativity, and wonder that jewellery of this calibre could achieve both as an iconic style choice, but also as an enduring gift of continuous love between a married couple.
“What’s remarkable about Queen Alexandra’s style is that she took inspiration from the past and made it relevant for the future. This is at the heart of what we’re doing at Garrard – bringing our heritage to life in designs that work for the modern woman.”
Sara Prentice, Creative Director
The Anatomy of a Star
Starburst Design
Designed in the Edwardian style, the six highly dimensional Garrard star brooches scattered light and brilliance in all directions. Thin ray peaks elegantly stretched outwards, with each space between holding a luminous round white diamond. A dazzling example of Golden Age style, the design captured the era’s fascination with light, astronomy, and progress.
Queen Alexandra’s Stars
Rule Breaking Style
Known for wearing the six diamond star brooches across her gowns, Queen Alexandra created a scattering display of light that took jewellery into a new stratosphere of influence, individuality, and modernity. Arranging them in unexpected and imaginative ways, her combinations were always kept secret to avoid being copied before she could reveal the brand new look. Other placements of the stars included her hair, the different neckline of gowns, and around her waist.
Uniquely defined and highly spirited, the Garrard star is a radiant symbol of sparkling determination and shimmering individuality. A call to arrange your stars as you see fit, detachable and versatile jackets transform everyday pieces into spectacular evening jewels, leaving a trail of stardust wherever you go.