King Charles III’s Coronation - The Crown

With HRH King Charles III being coronated tomorrow (06/05/2023) I found myself naturally being drawn to the gorgeous large jewels on the Crown and pondered their origin...

Here's what I researched for the 3 of the most significant gems used in the UK's coronation:

1. St. Edward's Sapphire: This large blue sapphire, which weighs 104 carats, is set in the Maltese Cross at the top of the Imperial State Crown. It is named after Edward the Confessor, who is said to have owned it.

2. The Black Prince's Ruby: This large red spinel is set in the front of the Imperial State Crown. It is not actually a ruby but was believed to be one until the 19th century. The spinel has a long and fascinating history, having been taken as plunder in the 14th century by Edward, the Black Prince, during his campaign in Spain.

3. The Cullinan II diamond: This diamond, which weighs 317.4 carats (WHOA!), is set in the front of the Imperial State Crown. It is the second-largest stone cut from the famous Cullinan Diamond, which was discovered in South Africa in 1905.

There is one missing: The Koh-i-Noor diamond: This diamond, which weighs 105.6 carats was set in the front of the Crown of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. The diamond has a long and storied history, having been owned by various rulers in South Asia before being taken by the British during the colonial period. There is some talk that since the Queen's death, India has requested it 'back'. This will not be part of the King's Crown.

The above gemstones are used in the UK's coronation regalia because of their historical significance and their association with royalty and power.

The use of these gems in the coronation regalia is intended to symbolize the majesty and authority of the monarchy.

👑👑GOD SAVE OUR GRACIOUS KING👑👑