Star of the Order of the Thistle. Four-pointed diamond star overlaid with diamond St Andrew's cross; centre: thistle in emeralds and rubies on a rose diamond ground, encircled by motto 'Nemo me impune lacessit', of diamonds on green enamel, surrounded by a ring of diamonds. Reverse engraved, 'RUNDELL BRIDGE & CO Jewellers & Goldsmiths / To The Queen.'

Queen Victoria was supplied by Rundell Bridge and Rundell with the star of the Order of the Thistle presumably at the same time as the Garter and Bath stars which had been supplied in September 1838. However no invoice to confirm exact delivery survives. These stars, all of reduced size to a standard star of the time, formed the pattern for the Queen’s subsequent purchases of insignia including the Star of the Order of the Star of India designed by the Prince Consort.

Text adapted from Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010