This from Fields book I don’t know how accurate it is but here it goes. Pss Elizabeth was presented by Field-Marshal Smuts with her gift from the Government: a silver casket containing a long chain necklace of 21 large diamonds that had be cut and polished in Johannesburg, the largest of which was 10 carats. Forming connecting links between each of the 21 main stones were two small brilliant-cut diamonds mounted on either side of a baguette diamond. The casket was handed to Pss Elizabeth as she stood by a microphone and the entire nation heard her gasp of delight when she saw the necklace. From that night on, she always called them ‘my best diamonds’. PJ
--Previous Message-- : : : …from The Queen's Diamonds : : The gift from the Government of the Union of : South Africa consisted of a long chain of 21 : graduated brilliants - the largest of 10 : carats - each separated by a baguette and : two small brilliants." : The necklace was presented in this : configuation on 21 April 1947. : : The detachable snap-piece was added later : using a 6 carat stone given to her by the : Chariman of De Beers on 18 April. : : The necklace was exhibited in this form with : her wedding presents. : : In my earlier pic the Queen wears the : necklace on a visit to Paris in May 1948. : : Five years later the necklace was shortened : to 15 large stones and a bracelet made from : the six removed and the snap-piece. : : Edit: Footnote - According to Charlotte : Gere and John Culme with William Summers in : "Garrard The Crown Jewellers for 150 : Years 1843 1993", : the 21 diamonds were presented to Princess : Elizabeth unset, then Garrard made the : necklace in London. : : : : :