Crowning glory of priceless treasures
AT the heart of the Crown Jewels are the Queen’s Instruments of State, which will lie on her coffin on Monday.
The Imperial State Crown boasts more than 3,000 gems – including 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and five rubies.
Made in 1937 for the coronation of the Queen’s father, King George VI, it weighs in at a hefty 2lb 5oz.
During her reign, Queen Elizabeth II would wear it annually for the State Opening of Parliament, until it became too heavy for her to bear.
The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross has been used at every coronation since Charles II’s in 1661.
At 3ft long, it represents the monarch’s power in the secular world and holds a piece of the world’s largest diamond, the Cullinan I, which weighs in at an astonishing 530.2 carats. Meanwhile, the Sovereign’s Orb, a golden globe surmounted by a cross, reminds the monarch that their power is derived from God and is presented at a monarch’s coronation.
The ornate piece of regalia is golden and has a cross perched on top to symbolize heavenly power over the world. It is extravagantly mounted with emeralds, rubies, sapphires, diamonds, pearls and one amethyst.