The Crown Jewels
The Nation's Precious Treasures
The Crown Jewels are the nation’s most precious treasures, including the sacred Coronation Regalia used at the Coronations of new monarchs. Comprising more than 100 objects and over 23,000 gemstones, the Crown Jewels are priceless, being of incalculable cultural, historical, and symbolic value.
The story of these magnificent jewels is a tale of power, wealth, and prestige that spans centuries. With the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on 6th May 2023, let us delve deeper into the fascinating history of the British Crown Jewels…
Coronation Regalia
At the heart of the Crown Jewels collection are the Coronation Regalia: the sacred objects used during the coronation ceremony. These unique objects represent the powers and responsibilities of the monarch. It consists of the crown, sceptre, orb, sword, and other items that are used during the coronation ceremony.
These items are believed to have been used for the first time during the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066 and were most recently used at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The regalia has been updated over the years, but the basic items have remained the same.
St Edward's Crown
The St Edward's Crown is the centrepiece of the coronation regalia. This magnificent crown is made of gold and decorated with 444 precious stones, including sapphires, rubies, and diamonds.
It was first used during the coronation of Charles II in 1661 to replace the medieval crown melted down by parliamentarians in 1649, after the execution of King Charles I. With the gold frame weighing an impressive 2.23kg, it is only used during the actual coronation ceremony and was last used for the crowning of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
The Imperial State Crown
The Imperial State Crown is another iconic piece of the British Crown Jewels. This crown was made for Queen Victoria's coronation in 1838 and is used by the monarch during the State Opening of Parliament. It is adorned with over 2,800 diamonds, including the famous Cullinan II diamond, which is the second largest cut diamond in the world.
Our newest collection - minted in honour of the long-awaited Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III - features a striking depiction of the Imperial State Crown. A timeless symbol of royal authority and grandeur, each coin bears a meticulously crafted image, designed by Jody Clark, that captures the splendour and majesty of this historic event, with intricate details that pay homage to the centuries-old tradition of British royalty. This collection is a rare and unique keepsake, embodying the spirit of the British people's reverence for their monarch and the enduring legacy of the Crown Jewels.
The Orb & Sceptre
The Orb and Sceptre are also important pieces of the coronation regalia. The Orb is a symbol of the monarch's rule over the world, while the Sceptre represents their authority over the church. The Orb is made of gold and is decorated with diamonds, sapphires, and pearls, while the Sceptre is made of gold and is topped with the Star of Africa diamond.
In 2018, Rosland released a stunning series of commemorative coins featuring the Orb and Sceptre, marking 65 years since the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The intricate design showcases two of the most iconic symbols of the British monarchy, in all their glory. Each detail of the Orb and Sceptre has been masterfully crafted, from the intricate gold detailing to the shimmering diamonds that adorn them. This coin is not only a striking reminder of the Coronation itself, but also a testament to the enduring legacy of The Queen. With only a limited number available, this commemorative coin is a precious piece of history that will be cherished for generations to come.
The Koh-I-Nur diamond
The Koh-I-Nur diamond is one of the most famous jewels in the British Crown Jewels. This diamond was originally mined in India and has a turbulent history. A symbol of conquest, it was owned by various Indian rulers, Mughal Emperors, Shahs of Iran and Sikh Maharajas, before being seized by the British East India Company in 1849. It was later presented to Queen Victoria and has since been worn by various British monarchs.
The Koh-I-Nur weighs 105.6 carats. It was once much larger but was re-cut in 1852 to improve its brilliance and conform to contemporary European tastes. Opposing legends have maintained that the diamond is both lucky and unlucky. More recent tradition asserts it would bring misfortune if worn by a man. It currently set in the Queen Mother's Crown and is on display in the Tower of London.
Power, Prestige, Continuity
The British Crown Jewels are a testament to the power and prestige of the British monarchy. They are a symbol of the country's rich history and the continuity of the monarchy throughout the ages.
As we discover the fascinating story behind these magnificent jewels, we are reminded of the grandeur and majesty of Britain's past and the enduring legacy of its monarchs.
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