Kate Middleton's Most Treasured Jewels Aren't Just Striking — They're Full of History

The Baring ruby necklace and Burmese ruby tiara
Upon the death of King George VI, the crown rubies should have been passed down to the Queen, but since they were a favorite of the Queen Mother, she kept possession of them until her own death in 2002. It's thought that because of this, the Queen bought her own rubies in the 1960s and 1970s — the Baring ruby necklace was made from a pendant and pair of earrings, and the Burmese ruby tiara was created from a diamond tiara and loose rubies that had been a wedding present to the Queen.