What is King Charles Crown Made Of?
The King Charles Crown, also known as the Imperial State Crown, is one of the most iconic symbols of the British monarchy. This magnificent piece of jewelry has been worn by British monarchs during their coronations and state occasions. But what is the King Charles Crown made of? The answer is both fascinating and intricate, reflecting the rich history and craftsmanship of the British royal family.
The King Charles Crown was first made in 1661 for the coronation of King Charles II. It was designed by the royal goldsmith, John Flaxman, and has since been worn by every British monarch except for Queen Victoria. The crown is made primarily of gold, which is the most dominant material used in its construction. The gold used in the crown is believed to be from the Royal Mint, and it is of the highest quality, making the crown extremely valuable.
One of the most striking features of the King Charles Crown is its base, which is made of solid gold. This base is adorned with four large roundels, each set with a different precious stone. These roundels are held in place by intricate filigree work, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of the crown. The stones used in the roundels are some of the most famous in the world, including the Cullinan II diamond, the St. Edward’s Sapphire, and the Black Prince’s Ruby.
The Cullinan II diamond, which is the largest cut diamond in the world, is set in the central roundel. It is a symbol of the British Empire and has been worn by every British monarch since the crown was created. The St. Edward’s Sapphire, which is the oldest gemstone in the crown, is set in the second roundel. It is believed to have been given to King Edward the Confessor by William the Conqueror and is said to bring good luck to the wearer.
The Black Prince’s Ruby, which is a deep red spinel, is set in the third roundel. It was originally set in the helmet of King Henry V and has been part of the British crown since the 15th century. The fourth roundel contains the Stuart Sapphire, which is a blue sapphire set in a silver-gilt mount.
In addition to the precious stones, the King Charles Crown is adorned with a variety of other jewels and symbols. The crown is decorated with 444 precious and semi-precious stones, including 108 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies. The base of the crown is also decorated with 470 smaller diamonds, which are set in a pattern of crosses and circles.
The craftsmanship of the King Charles Crown is not limited to the use of precious stones. The goldsmiths who created the crown used a technique called filigree, which involves the use of fine gold wire to create intricate patterns. This technique was used to create the intricate designs on the base of the crown and the rim, which are adorned with a total of 1,104 diamonds.
In conclusion, the King Charles Crown is made of gold, precious stones, and intricate craftsmanship. Its beauty and symbolism make it one of the most significant pieces of jewelry in the world. The crown is a testament to the rich history and tradition of the British monarchy and continues to be a symbol of the British Empire.
