The Sparkling History Of The Crown Jewels

To begin, the history of the Crown Jewels and how they have been portrayed throughout history.

The history of the British Crown jewels is traced back to the 11th century. When William the Conqueror was crowned with a simple coronet made of gold and set with precious stones. Over the centuries, the design and materials of the crown evolved, reflecting the tastes and styles of the times.

Imperial State Crown

The most famous crown in the Crown Jewels collection is the Imperial State Crown. Used in the coronation of British monarchs since 1937. This crown is made of gold and silver and is adorned with over 3,000 precious gemstones, including diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies. The centrepiece of the crown is the Cullinan II diamond, which weighs around 317 carats.

The crown design used in a coronation is often influenced by the monarch’s personal preferences and the event’s historical significance. For example, Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation crown included references to the medieval St. Edward’s Crown and the Tudor Crown and a nod to her Scottish heritage using thistles in the design.

St Edwards Crown

St. Edward’s Crown is the crown used during the coronation ceremony of the British monarchs and is the oldest surviving crown in England. The crown was made in 1661 for the coronation of Charles II, replacing the previous medieval crown that was destroyed during the English Civil War.

St. Edward’s Crown is named after Saint Edward the Confessor, the Anglo-Saxon king who founded Westminster Abbey, where most British monarchs have been crowned since his reign. The crown is made of gold and is set with over 400 precious stones, including diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.

The most famous gemstone on the crown is the Black Prince’s Ruby, which is not actually a ruby but a large spinel. This gemstone has a long and fascinating history, having been owned by several famous historical figures.

The design of St. Edward’s Crown is elaborate and ornate, with four fleurs-de-lis alternating with four crosses pattée, topped by a large sapphire and a cross. The arches of the crown decorated with alternating images of Christ and St. George slaying the dragon, representing the two patron saints of England.

Other Crown Jewels Items

The Scepter

– The scepter is a symbol of the monarch’s authority and power. It is made from gold or silver and is adorned with precious gemstones and diamonds.

At the centre of the Scepter – The Star of Africa is the largest cut and polished diamond in the world, and it is an integral part of the Royal Scepter.

The Scepter is one of the most important pieces in the British Crown Jewels and is carried by the monarch during the coronation ceremony. The Star of Africa, also known as the Cullinan I. Set on the top of the scepter and weighs an impressive 530 carats.

The Orb

The orb is a symbol of the monarch’s sovereignty. It is typically made from gold or silver and is adorned with gemstones and diamonds.

The Orb is a gold sphere that is about 6.5 inches in diameter and is set with many precious stones, including diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. The Orb represents the monarch’s role as the defender of the faith and is topped with a cross representing the Christian faith.

The Orb is held in the monarch’s left hand during the coronation ceremony. And is said to symbolise the monarch’s earthly power and responsibility. The Orb has been used in coronation ceremonies since the 17th century.

Crown Jewels – The Kings Coronation

A coronation is a grand ceremony that marks the formal investiture of a monarch with regal power and authority. One of the most iconic symbols of the coronation ceremony is the crown worn by the king or queen.

The Kings Crown –

King Charles was crowned with the St Edward’s Crown in May 2023, wearing the Imperial state crown later in the day. Most probably due to the St Edwards crown weighing 4.9 lbs, whereas the Imperial State crown weighs 2.3lbs.