The jewels of the Duchess were bought by her husband Edward (the former King Edward VIII) or herself. The only pieces given to the Duchess by the Royal family were the pearls of Queen Mary as a final gesture towards her son Edward and his wife, as.
This is why I love Nicholas Sparks! He has to a great husband in order to write way he does. He totally knows how to make women fall apart with his books.
Cara in her tuxedo look is the perfect inspiration for this how-to on the blog. http://fawkeshunter.com/2013/04/26/weekend-rulebreaker-black-tie-optional/