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20 FEBRUARY 2023 - ERNEST JONES WRITER
The coronation of King Charles III swiftly approaches, and we couldn’t be more excited. Embark on this journey through history and learn about the stories of some of our favourite pieces of royal jewellery. Be inspired to add a hint of royal flare to your own style.
Coronation Jewellery for a Royal Celebration
The British monarchy has been known for its opulent and luxurious jewellery for centuries. From sparkling royal tiaras to the intricate crown jewels and lavish coronation jewellery. The royal family’s collection is a breath-taking display of history.
The glittering gemstones that adorn the crown jewels and jewellery pieces have been passed down through generations of kings and queens. They’re considered to be the most valuable and rarest in the world.
With the coronation of King Charles III approaching, we explore some of the symbolic royal jewellery pieces and journey through their history and cultural significance. The twinkling treasures of the British monarchy will leave you mesmerised and might even inspire you to start your own heirloom collection.
St Edward’s Crown
St Edward’s Crown is one of the most famous and important crown jewels of the British monarchy. The crown is traditionally used for the coronation of the monarch and has been used in every coronation since Charles II’s in 1661 except for Queen Victoria in 1838.
The crown is 22-carat gold, weighs nearly 5lb and uses 444 precious and semi-precious gemstones including rubies, amethysts, sapphires, and one garnet. The crown was last worn in 1953 by Queen Elizabeth II at her coronation.
Considered to be one of the most valuable pieces in the collection, for both its historical significance and stunning beauty, it will continue to play a role in future coronation ceremonies.
The Imperial State Crown
The Imperial State Crown was made for King George VI in 1937 and features St Edward’s Sapphire, the Black Prince’s Ruby (which, rather misleadingly, isn’t actually a ruby), and the Cullinan II diamond.
A national treasure, the Imperial State Crown is kept in the Tower of London where it’s displayed along with other British crown jewels for public viewing. It symbolises the monarchy and is a testament to the country’s rich history.
Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara
A symbol of the royal family’s enduring legacy, Queen Mary’s fringe tiara is one of the most precious pieces in the royal collection. The tiara was made in 1919 for Queen Mary, the wife of King George V, and crafted using a diamond necklace that had once belonged to Queen Victoria.
The Queen Mary fringe tiara features a row of 47 brilliant-cut diamonds set in a silver and gold frame. It has been worn by many members of the Royal Family with a new story to tell with each wear. Most notably, it was worn by Queen Elizabeth II as she began the next chapter of her life with Prince Philip on their wedding day in 1947. The tiara has since become one of the most recognisable pieces of jewellery, loved for its simple, yet elegant design and regal splendour.
The Diamond Jubilee Set of Queen Elizabeth II
In a nod to the only other monarch to have reached 60 years on the throne – Queen Victoria - Queen Elizabeth II wore Queen Victoria’s Collet necklace for her official diamond jubilee photograph.
A classic design, the beautiful diamond necklace is set in white gold and features a pear-shaped central diamond. Diamond jewellery sets perfectly reflected Queen Elizabeth II’s timeless style and this necklace served as a symbol of her enduring reign.
Lady Diana’s Engagement Ring
Princess Diana was known for her love for sapphire jewellery. Though her engagement ring is one of the most cherished pieces in the family’s collection. It’s a favourite of ours too. The stunning sapphire ring was given to Diana when King Charles III (then Prince Charles) proposed to her in 1981.
Princess Diana’s engagement ring feature’s a 12-carat oval-cut sapphire set in 18-carat white gold, surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds. The sapphire in the ring is a Ceylon sapphire, known for its deep blue colour and exceptional clarity. As the ring wasn’t custom-made for her, this made Princess Diana’s sapphire ring much more accessible to the public and quickly, sapphire engagement rings became sought-after in the 1980s and beyond.
Diana’s engagement ring was passed down to her son, Prince William, who later presented the ring to Kate Middleton when he proposed in 2010. A beautiful tribute to Diana’s memory.
Queen Mary’s Bandeau Diamond Tiara
Magical and marvellous, Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau tiara was originally crafted in 1932 for the wife of King George V. The tiara was specifically designed to accommodate a brooch crafted in 1893 for Mary of Teck.
Eyes all around the world were fixated on the breath-taking beauty as it was worn by Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex on her wedding day in 2018. Meghan complemented the stunning headpiece with minimalistic wedding jewellery which included a stunning Cartier bracelet and stud earrings. We were in awe.
The Cartier Halo Tiara
Known for its distinctive design, the halo tiara is a stunning piece of jewellery carefully crafted by the jewellery house, Cartier.
The Cartier tiara was created using 11 sections of diamonds. This beautiful piece is made up of both baguette-cut and round diamonds which are set in platinum.
Kate Middleton famously wore the tiara for her wedding in 2011, writing another page in its history.
Channel Your Inner Royal
Of course, you’re not about to start wearing a crown or a tiara, but that’s not to say you can’t give your jewellery box the royal treatment. From stunning sapphires and rubies to emerald jewellery and diamonds, treating yourself or the royalist you love to a beautiful new cocktail ring or eye-catching necklace is a sure-fire way to elevate that feeling of grandeur.
The world of royal jewellery is a sight to behold. The exquisite craftsmanship, intricate detailing and rare and precious stones are enough to leave anyone wide-eyed. The British royal family’s collection breathes the grandeur and magnificence of their heritage.
Each piece has a story to tell, from the origins of diamonds to the historical occasions on which they were worn. It’s easy to get lost in the allure and the enchanting story behind them.
Add a touch of regal elegance to your own collection. Book an appointment online or in-store and our friendly team will help you begin royal traditions of your own.