Victoria’s coronet gifted to museum

One of the most important jewels from Queen Victoria’s reign – a sapphire and diamond coronet designed by Prince Albert – has been gifted to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). The small crown was designed for Victoria by Prince Albert in the couple’s wedding year, 1840.

Mounted with 11 sapphires set in gold and diamonds set in silver, it features in a famous official portrait of the young Queen Victoria.

When Victoria emerged from mourning in 1866 to attend the State Opening of Parliament, five years after Albert’s death, she wore the jewels instead of her coronation crown. The coronet was made in 1842 by goldsmith Joseph Kitching for £415. 0 The coronet was made in 1842 at the cost of £415