These brooches were given to each of the twelve ladies - unmarried daughters of the nobility, who carried Queen Victoria's 18 foot (5.5 meter) train at her wedding in 1840. The design features a turquoise hereldic German eagle.
Traditionally, bridesmaids supplied their own dresses but were offered a piece of jewellery as a gift or souvenir of the wedding. Brooches and lockets were popular options and provided the opportunity to commission sentimental jewels. These brooches were designed by Prince Albert and feature symbolism much like all the jewellery he designed, the brooches feature pavé-set turquoises in silver with ruby eye, diamond-set beak and a pearl in each gold claw; backed in gold. The top edge of the right hand wing outlined with a row of tiny turquoises.
The brooches were manufactured by the London jeweller Charles du Vé. A sketch of the design remains in the archive of his descendants, with a note that he 'Made 12 … worn by the Bridesmaids at Queen Victoria's marriage'. Du Vé was a watchmaker and jeweller with premises in Maddox Street in London. He was contracted to the firm of R. & S. Garrard, which later claimed responsibility for the eagle brooches.
It is thought that most of the twelve pieces still survive, some of which still belong to the family of the original receiver. The brooch you can see pictured above is now in the Royal Collection after it was acquired by Queen Mary in 1925.
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