The Darnley Jewel is one of the most important early jewels in the Royal Collection. It was likely made for Lady Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox, in 1571. Margaret was the mother of Lord Darnley, the second husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. The heart-shaped jewel is richly decorated with many emblems and inscriptions, while compartments conceal further emblematic devices. These allude to the turbulent history of the Lennox family and probably also Lady Margaret's hopes and ambitions for her grandson, James, son of Mary and Lord Darnley, who later became James VI and I.

The jewel was purchased by Queen Victoria in 1842 from the collection of the antiquarian Horace Walpole. 

Watch our film to see some of the incredible details hidden inside the jewel.