I openly admit that my eye is not the best; yet, I think that Mauriz is correct and that the brooch worn by the Duchess of Gloucester did initially belong to Princess Helena (Princess Christian).
It seems to me that the brooch, as worn by Princess Helena and as given to Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, initially had 3 pearl drops.
Worn by Princess Helena
Detail of brooch as given as a wedding present to Alice Duchess of Gloucester.
The brooch formed part of a suite of pearl and diamond jewellery which Queen Mary gave to the Duchess.
Comparison of details of the brooch.
As Mauriz suggested, it appears that, at some stage, Alice, the Duchess of Gloucester, exchanged the pearl drops for diamonds.
Does anyone have a photo of the Duchess wearing the brooch in the early years of her marriage?
--Previous Message-- : I'm not sure at all about these two, Beth. The : three small pendants of Princess Helena's : brooch seem to have a shape quite different : from the three dangling diamonds of the : piece the Duchess of Gloucester is wearing, : but that might be an optical illusion due to : Princess Helena's rather prominent bosom. : And of course the three pendants could have : been exchanged at one time or another for : the diamonds we see today. : : It was a mere idea that if(!) Queen Mary : indeed acquired one piece of jewellery which : once belonged to Princess Helena, it might : have been not the only one. : : :