FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
EditorsMar 05, 2018
2 British Designers on Meeting the Queen
Queen Elizabeth II made a surprise appearance at London Fashion Week.
Here, designer Dalia Daou shows her latest collection to the Queen of England during London Fashion Week.
When the young designers who comprise Rock Vault—the British fine jewelry incubator created by the British Fashion Council and Stephen Webster—recently showed their collections at London Fashion Week, they had no idea they would be hosting a very prestigious guest.
Last month at London Fashion Week’s Designer Showrooms, located at 180 The Strand, the Rock Vault designers were presenting their collections to buyers and press when they were suddenly told to tidy up their booths and prepare their most special pieces in advance of a VIP’s arrival. As security entered the building, the designers tried to guess who the mystery visitor could be.
An hour later the VIP arrived; it was Queen Elizabeth II.
Rush introduced the queen to many of the brands presenting their fall/winter 2018 collections in the Designer Showrooms, including the Rock Vault jewelers.
Among them was design duo Shimell + Madden.
“I spoke to the queen about the craftsmanship involved in each our pieces, and explained that we create everything from start to finish in our London studio,” Emma Madden said of their conversation. “I also talked about the gemstones we have used in our latest collection: aquamarine, heliodor, citrine and pearls. She commented on the ‘nice and delicate gemstone setting.’”
RELATED CONTENT: 6 Fascinating Facts About the Crown JewelsDaou and the queen spoke about the former’s royal jewelry connection--Daou’s father was at one time the royal jeweler to the King of Jordan.
“I was pleased to tell her majesty the story of how the queen actually has in her collection a suite of jewelry created by my father by royal appointment, which was gifted to her majesty by His Majesty The King of Jordan on his state visit in 1966.”
Both designers agreed that the queen showed an enthusiasm to learn about their stories and creations.
“The queen was generous with her time,” Madden said, “and was particularly interested in knowing more about us and our work.”
Daou
recalled, “The queen commented, ‘how lovely!' about my Sunset Sunrise cocktail ring and leaned in to look closer, especially as she loves color. She was also surprised by my story about my father's jewelry, remarking, ‘Oh really!’”
Daou elaborated, “I was so impressed by how the queen took time to speak to every designer, taking a focused interest and commenting on the distinct features of each of our work.”
Afterward, Queen Elizabeth continued to surprise the Fashion Week crowd as she attended the Richard Quinn runway show, also held in the Designer Showrooms on the floor below Rock Vault. There she presented the ready-to-wear designer with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design.
See below for one shot of Queen Elizabeth seated next to Anna Wintour at the show, an image which was widely circulated.
Daou elaborated, “I was so impressed by how the queen took time to speak to every designer, taking a focused interest and commenting on the distinct features of each of our work.”
Afterward, Queen Elizabeth continued to surprise the Fashion Week crowd as she attended the Richard Quinn runway show, also held in the Designer Showrooms on the floor below Rock Vault. There she presented the ready-to-wear designer with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design.
See below for one shot of Queen Elizabeth seated next to Anna Wintour at the show, an image which was widely circulated.
A post shared by WWD (@wwd) on Feb 20, 2018 at 9:20am PST
More on Editors
The Latest
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
