Imperial State Crown Jewels

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The Crown Jewels: The Coronation Regalia

With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II recently much focus has naturally turned to Britain. As people pay their respects to the Queen lying in state in Westminster Hall a key feature atop her flag draped coffin is the dazzling Imperial State Crown. This stunning crown is one of several pieces that make up the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. Below we will review some of the key pieces of the Crown Jewels, many of which feature stunning gemstones.

The Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom comprise the country’s most sacred and valuable objects. Edward the Confessor was the first British monarch to store royal ornaments in Westminster Abbey in the 10th century. The collection we know today started in the mid-1600’s and has since been added to by subsequent English queens and kings. The collection includes items beyond jewellery such as pieces used during coronations; there are also plates related to church services and robes, medals and various insignia. In total there are over 100 objects in the collection and it is estimates that together they contain 23,000 gemstones. Officially these items are held by the monarch on behalf of the nation.

The Imperial State Crown

Perhaps one of the most identifiable pieces of jewellery in the world is the Imperial State Crown. It has traditionally been worn by the monarch for his or her coronation, but occasionally has also been worn for State Openings of Parliament. Only three people are allowed to touch it; the Crown Jeweler, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the monarch. When it is not being used it is on public display alongside the other Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.

The Imperial State Crown

The Imperial State Crown

The current version of the Imperial State Crown has been used since the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 and was created for King Charles II. Up until the 19th century the jewels used in the crown would often be borrowed for the day of the coronation and then returned after. There have been an estimated 10 versions of the crown with Queen Victoria wearing the most recent version for her coronation in 1858. The version worn by Queen Elizabeth II and her father, King George VI, was created in 1936 for the latter’s coronation in 1937. There are over 2000 precious stones incorporated into its design. Some of its key features is the Cullinan II diamond, the Stuart Sapphire and the Black Prince’s Ruby. The velvet inner cap is trimmed with ermine and the frame is a combination of gold, platinum and silver. It is a symbol of the sovereignty of the monarch.

Sovereign Sceptre and Cross

Sovereign Sceptre and Cross Jewels

Sovereign Sceptre and Cross

A key part of the coronation regalia is the Sovereign Sceptre and Cross and is based on the model of the shepherd’s staff. A symbol of the monarch’s power as head of state the original design is from 1661. It is 3ft long, weighs nearly 3 pounds and is decorated with over 300 diamonds, and several rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Perhaps the most stunning part of the sceptre is the Great Star of Africa; this diamond was found in South Africa in 1905 and in original form was a whopping 3, 106 carats. It was included into the sceptre in 1910, but it can, and has, been removed at times from the sceptre to be worn as jewellery – this was done by Queen Mary who wore it as a brooch.

The Sovereign’s Orb

Sovereign’s Orb Jewels

Sovereign’s Orb

The Sovereign’s Orb is another key piece used during the coronation. Unlike the sceptre which is a symbol of the monarch’s temporal role as head of state, the orb is a sign that the monarch is divine. Like the sceptre it was created in 1661 at the request of King Charles II; it is a hollow pure gold sphere and is encrusted with over 300 diamonds, nearly 400 pearls and several rubies, sapphires and amethysts. Interestingly the orb is divided by the pearls into three distinct sections – this was based on the medieval belief that the world had three continents.

Sovereign Rings

Like a wedding ceremony, the coronation of a monarch involves the new king or queen make a tremendous vow to serve their kingdom until death. And similar to a marriage the new king or queen wears a ring as part of the coronation ceremony. There are three different rings in the collection of coronation regalia – the Queen Consort’s Coronation Ring, Queen Victoria’s Coronation Ring and the Sovereign’s Ring. The ring which was used at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation was originally made in 1831 for King William IV; this ring is designed with gemstones to form a cross. There are rubies which are to represent English and sapphires for Scotland. Diamonds are also included into its design.

Previous to 1830 each British monarch would have a new ring made for their individual coronation and it would then become part of their personal collection. For Queen Victoria’s coronation in 1838 it was discovered that the Sovereign Ring was too large for her petite finger. The jewelers Rundell, Bridge & Rundell made a new ring for her but unfortunately made it to fit on her pinky finger and when it was placed on her fourth finger the Archbishop of Canterbury had to force it onto her hand. This caused great pain and swelling and her hand had to be iced to remove the ring!

In 1831 it was decided that the Queen Consort of the King needed a coronation ring; this ring has a large ruby surrounded by diamonds, rubies are also included in the gold band. This ring has been used in every coronation involving a Queen Consort since the coronation of King William IV whose wife, Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, was the first to wear this ring. It has since been used by Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth the Queen mother.

If you are visiting London you can view the Crown Jewels, including the pieces mentioned above, at the Tower of London. The Tower of London has been home to the Crown Jewels since the 14th century, prior they had been held at Westminster Abbey. The Jewel House (where the items are on display) went under renovation in 2012. Together the items on display represent nearly 1000 years of British history. While the value from a cultural perspective is incalculable it is estimated that the collection is worth between $4 to $6 billion.

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