WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
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
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 16, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
