My understanding is that this Insignia was "real" (and not mere jewels) even though it was given as a present by a group of Scottish ladies. The "Marys of the Empire" presented Queen Mary with bejewelled Insignia for the Order of the Garter as a coronation present, which Queen Mary is known to have worn constantly. Of course, the actual Order has to be granted by the Head of the Order - in both these cases, the Monarch, but my understanding is that others can then pay for and present bejewelled Insignia.
Personally, I think that the press got the precise facts wrong and, because the gift was from a ladies group, assumed that the gift was also made to Queen Mary when Duchess of York. It is very clear from information available online about the Order of the Thistle that Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was the first Lady member of the Order.
on July 7, 2016, 3:56 am, in reply to "