Our very own Gemologist Alexandra Michell comments in the Daily Express on the Several prominent gems in the Imperial State Crown that have fascinating histories.
Alexandra comments: “The Imperial State Crown was originally created in the 15th Century and evolved until 1937 to its current form (apart from when it was dropped in 1845 in front of Queen Victoria and crushed).
“It contains some of the most important gems in the Crown Jewels, with St Edward’s Sapphire, a rose-cut sapphire dating back to the 11th Century, set at the centre of the cross at the top of the crown.
“Another important gem is The Black Prince’s Ruby. It is in fact not a ruby but a cabochon red spinel weighing 170 carats dating from the 14th Century. It sits at the front of the crown within the velvet cap in a cross pattée.
“Next, The Stuart Sapphire is a blue sapphire of 104 carats, dating to the 17th Century, and is situated to the back of the crown.
“Lastly, the Cullinan II, or the Second Star of Africa, weighing an enormous 317.4 carats, came from the 1910 collection of nine main stones cut from a single 3,106.75-carat diamond; the largest usable rough diamond ever found. It is set in all its glory in a yellow gold mount, front and centre on the crown.”
As one may imagine for such a famous royal jewel, the Imperial State Crown is hard to value, but it is definitely worth a staggering sum.
Ms Michell added: “It has been valued in the past at £35million but as we all know, it is inestimable.”
Read the full article here: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/style/1670734/imperial-state-crown-history-value-queen-funeral
