Nowadays when people hear the word “The Crown”, they think of the Netflix smash hit series.  However, The Crown has symbolised the coronations of monarchs for hundreds of years for the British Royal Family.  At the centre of these ceremonies are the stunning head pieces used to crown the new monarch, symbolising their power and authority.  Over time, the coronation crowns used in Britain have evolved and changed to reflect the changing values and beliefs of the country.

The coronation of King Charles III and his wife, who will soon be known as Queen Camilla will take place on Saturday 6th May 2023. The ceremony will take place at Westminster Abbey in the heart of London after the royals arrive in procession from Buckingham Palace, less than one mile away.

In this article, we will explore some of the different crowns used in the coronation of the British monarchs.

St. Edward's Crown: The Sparkling History of its Majestic Jewels

St. Edward's Crown is an iconic symbol of the British monarchy and holds a special place in the rich history of England.

This stunning piece of regalia has been used in the coronation of British monarchs since the 13th century. But what makes this crown so extraordinary are the precious jewels that adorn it, each carrying its own fascinating story.  In this section, we will delve into the history of St. Edward's Crown and explore the magnificent jewels that make it a true masterpiece.

St. Edward's Crown is named after Edward the Confessor, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, who was later canonized as a saint. The original crown was believed to have been destroyed during the English Civil War. However, a new version was created for the coronation of Charles II in 1661, and it has been used for every British monarch's coronation since then. 

The crown has the following features:

• 22 Carat Solid Gold
• Weighs 2.2kg
• Circumference 66cm
• Height 30cm
• 345 Aquamarines
• 37 White Topazes
• 27 Tourmalines
• 12 Rubies
• 7 Amethysts
• 6 Sapphires
• 2 Jargoons
• 1 Garnet
• 1 Spinel
• 1 Carbuncle

The Jewels

The Sapphires

Among the jewels that adorn St. Edward's Crown are several exquisite sapphires. The most famous of these is St. Edward's Sapphire, which is believed to have belonged to Edward the Confessor himself. This stunning gemstone is mounted on top of the crown's golden cross, adding a touch of regal blue to the dazzling piece.

The Rubies

The crown also features large rubies, each with its own unique history. The Black Prince's Ruby, which is actually a spinel, is set on the front of the crown. This gemstone was once owned by Edward of Woodstock, known as the Black Prince, and has been part of the British Crown Jewels since the 14th century. 

The Emeralds

St. Edward's Crown is further embellished with two eye-catching emeralds. These vibrant green gemstones are set in the base of the crown, adding a touch of color to the regal piece. The history of these emeralds is not well-documented, but their presence adds to the crown's overall allure.

The Diamonds

The crown is also adorned with numerous diamonds, which contribute to its sparkling splendor. One of the most significant diamonds is the Cullinan III, a pear-shaped diamond weighing 94.4 carats. This breathtaking stone was originally part of the Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered.

The Pearls

Adding to the crown's elegance are the rows of pearls that decorate its golden frame. These lustrous pearls have been part of the crown since its creation in 1661, and their inclusion adds a classic touch to the overall design.

St. Edward's Crown is not only an iconic symbol of the British monarchy but also an incredible showcase of some of the world's most precious jewels. From sapphires and rubies to emeralds, diamonds, and pearls, each gemstone carries its own fascinating history, making this crown a true masterpiece of art and history.

The Imperial State Crown: Unveiling the Majesty of its Spectacular Jewels

The Imperial State Crown is one of the most iconic and well-recognized symbols of the British monarchy. Worn by the monarch on state occasions and during the annual State Opening of Parliament, the crown is steeped in history and adorned with some of the world's most exquisite jewels. In this article, we will explore the captivating history of the Imperial State Crown and delve into the stories behind its most precious and awe-inspiring jewels.

The current Imperial State Crown was created for the coronation of King George VI in 1937, but its design has been inspired by the crowns of previous monarchs. 

The crown has the following features:

• 22 Carat Gold, Platinum & Silver
• Weighs 1.06kg
• Height 31.5cm
• 2,868 Diamonds
• 273 Pearls
• 17 Sapphires
• 11 Emeralds
• 5 Rubies

The Jewels

The Cullinan II Diamond

One of the most remarkable jewels in the Imperial State Crown is the Cullinan II, also known as the Second Star of Africa. This mesmerizing diamond weighs an impressive 317.4 carats and is the second-largest diamond in the British Crown Jewels. The Cullinan II is set at the front of the crown's band, adding a touch of unparalleled brilliance to the regal masterpiece.

The Black Prince's Ruby

The Black Prince's Ruby, actually a spinel, is another striking gemstone featured in the Imperial State Crown. With a rich history dating back to the 14th century, this stunning red stone was once owned by Edward of Woodstock, known as the Black Prince. It is prominently placed at the center of the crown's front cross, symbolizing the power and authority of the British monarchy.

The Stuart Sapphire

The Stuart Sapphire, a magnificent deep-blue sapphire, is set at the back of the crown's band. This gemstone has been associated with the Stuart dynasty and was once part of the British Crown Jewels. Its inclusion in the Imperial State Crown adds a touch of royal blue to the regal piece.

The St. Edward's Sapphire

The St. Edward's Sapphire, believed to have belonged to Edward the Confessor, is mounted in the cross at the top of the crown. This remarkable sapphire has been part of the British Crown Jewels since the 13th century and is considered one of the most valuable and historically significant gems in the collection.

The Pearls

The Imperial State Crown is also adorned with rows of lustrous pearls, which add a classic touch to its design. These pearls have been a part of the British Crown Jewels for centuries and continue to be an integral part of the crown's regal elegance.

The Emeralds and Other Sapphires

Several emeralds and sapphires are also featured in the Imperial State Crown, further enhancing its magnificence. These vibrant gemstones, with their captivating colours, contribute to the overall grandeur of the crown and its significance as a symbol of the British monarchy.

The Imperial State Crown is a true masterpiece of art and history, showcasing some of the world's most spectacular jewels.

From the Cullinan II Diamond and the Black Prince's Ruby to the Stuart Sapphire, St. Edward's Sapphire, and the array of pearls, emeralds, and sapphires, each gemstone carries its own fascinating story. This incredible piece of regalia is not only an iconic symbol of the British monarchy but also a testament to the captivating allure of the world's most precious jewels.

Queen Mary's Crown: A Royal Masterpiece and Its Resplendent Jewels

Queen Mary's Crown, also known as the Crown of Queen Mary or the Queen's Crown, is a breathtaking piece of royal regalia that once belonged to Queen Mary of Teck, the wife of King George V.

This captivating crown is not only a symbol of British monarchy but also a magnificent showcase of some of the world's most precious and historically significant jewels. In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of Queen Mary's Crown and delve into the stories behind its resplendent jewels.

Queen Mary's Crown was created for the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. The crown was designed by the House of Garrard, the official crown jeweller at the time. The crown is made of gold and silver, adorned with an array of exquisite gemstones, and weighs approximately 0.70kg. Queen Mary wore this crown at her coronation and other significant state occasions throughout her reign.

The Jewels

The Koh-i-Noor Diamond

One of the most famous jewels in Queen Mary's Crown is the legendary Koh-i-Noor Diamond. This breathtaking gemstone, weighing approximately 105.6 carats, has a rich history that dates back to the 13th century. Originating from India, the Koh-i-Noor Diamond has been owned by various rulers and dynasties before becoming part of the British Crown Jewels in the 19th century. The diamond is prominently set in the crown's Maltese cross at the front, adding an unparalleled sparkle to the royal masterpiece.

The Cullinan III and IV Diamonds

Another pair of stunning jewels in Queen Mary's Crown are the Cullinan III and Cullinan IV Diamonds. These exceptional gemstones, weighing 94.4 and 63.6 carats respectively, were originally part of the Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered. The Cullinan III, a pear-shaped diamond, and the Cullinan IV, a square-cut diamond, are mounted together as a brooch and can be attached to the front of the crown.

The Pearls

Queen Mary's Crown is adorned with numerous lustrous pearls, adding a touch of classic elegance to the regal piece. These pearls are artfully arranged in various parts of the crown, including its arches and the base. The inclusion of these pearls in the crown's design is a testament to the timeless beauty of these organic gemstones.

The Rubies, Sapphires, and Emeralds

The crown is further embellished with an array of rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, contributing to its overall grandeur. These vibrant gemstones are strategically placed throughout the crown's design, adding a touch of colour to the dazzling piece. Each of these precious stones carries its own fascinating history, making Queen Mary's Crown a true showcase of royal treasures.

Queen Mary's Crown is not only a symbol of British monarchy but also a remarkable display of some of the world's most exquisite and historically significant jewels.

From the legendary Koh-i-Noor Diamond and the stunning Cullinan III and IV Diamonds to the lustrous pearls and vibrant rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, each gemstone in the crown carries its own captivating story. This incredible piece of royal regalia is a testament to the enduring allure and timeless beauty of the world's most precious jewels.

The Royal Emoji Crown

Source: Buckingham Palace

To celebrate the corronation of King Charles III, Buckingham Palace have announced a new emoji which will appear automatically on Twitter when someone uses a relevant hashtag.

It shows that The Royal Family have certainly moved with the times and this could be the start of many emojis connected to Buckingham Palace.