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Garrard & Co

Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother's Crown 1937

Platinum, diamonds, rock crystal, velvet, ermine | 20.7 cm (whole object) | RCIN 31703

Treasury, Jewel House

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  • The crown has a platinum frame set with 2,800 diamonds, mainly cushion-shaped but with some rose-cut and some brilliant-cut. The band, comprising alternating clusters formed as crosses and rectangles, is bordered with single rows of brilliant-cut diamonds and set at the front with a large diamond, which was given to Queen Victoria in 1856 by the Sultan of Turkey. Above the band are four fleurs-de-lis and four crosses-pattée. The front cross holds the Koh-i-nûr diamond in a detachable platinum mount. The four tapering half-arches are removable, and are surmounted by a pavé-set monde and a cross, set with a rock-crystal replica of the Lahore Diamond (presented to Queen Victoria by the East India Company in 1851). Fitted with a purple velvet cap and ermine band.

    This crown was made in 1937 for Queen Elizabeth, consort of King George VI, using many stones already in the collection. Most of the diamonds were removed from Queen Victoria's Regal Circlet. The Koh-i-nûr diamond had been successively mounted in the crowns of Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary, and was once again reset for this crown. The Turkish diamond was a gift from Sultan Abdul Medjid to Queen Victoria in 1856 as a gesture of gratitude for British support during the Crimean War.

    Queen Elizabeth wore the crown without its arches at the State Openings of Parliament during the reign of King George VI, and again at the coronation of her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953.
    Provenance

    The crown was created for Queen Elizabeth for the coronation of King George VI on 12 May 1937.
    First displayed privately and by invitation only at Garrards, Albemarle Street, preceding the Coronation, 4-6 May 1937.

  • Medium and techniques

    Platinum, diamonds, rock crystal, velvet, ermine

    Measurements

    20.7 cm (whole object)

    19.7 cm (at base of object)

    510.0 g (Weight) (whole object)


The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.