Reflecting History – Famous Crowns in the World
Reflecting History - 10 Famous Crowns of the World
Crowns are known to be a symbol of royalty and reign. They are mostly worn by Kings, Queen or deities. It’s a traditional head ornament that signifies sovereignty, honor and respect. We look at the priceless collection of crowns throughout history that have left a remarkable impact in bygone days.
The Imperial State Crown
The Imperial State Crown has existed since the 15th century. The crown is set with 2,901 precious stones which include the Cullinan II diamond, St. Edward Sapphire, the Stuart Sapphire, and the Black Prince’s Ruby. Having gone through 10 restoration process and the current version of the crown was made in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI.
The State Diadem
The State Diadem officially named the Diamond Diadem was a crown created by Rundell & Bridge which was made for King George IV in 1820. The crown today is in possession of Queen Elizabeth II who wore it on her coronation in 1953.
The Delhi Durbar Tiara
The Delhi Durbar Tiara was created in 1911 for Queen Mary, wife of King George the V. The design was based after the crown meant for King George V on his coronation at Westminister Abby in India in 1910.
Crown of Saint Wenceslas
Made in 1347, the Crown of Saint Wenceslas can be said to be one of the oldest crowns in history. Presented to the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, the eleventh king of Bohemia for his coronation.
The Oriental Circlet
Presented to Queen Victoria in 1853 the Oriental Circlet was designed by Prince Albert as a way to express his love to her. The tiara’s design is based on Mughal arches surrounding lotus flowers. It was originally set with opals, but later it was replaced with rubies when it was passed down to Queen Alexandra’s daughter in law Queen Elizabeth I which later made its way to Queen Elizabeth II.
Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara
Originate from Mother Russia, the Grand Duchess Vladimir is known as the Diamond and Pearl Tiara which is part of Queen Elizabeth’s crown collection. The tiara was bought in 1921 by Queen Mary from Grand Duchess Elena Vladimirovna of Russia, mother of the Duchess of Kent. The tiara was then altered and set with 15 Cambridge cabochon emeralds which can be swapped with drop pearls alternatively.
The Burmese Ruby Tiara
The Burmese Ruby Tiara is a tiara that has about 100 Burmese rubies. The tiara was created with respect to the people of Burma who gifted Queen Elizabeth 96 rubies in 1973. The Burma people believed that rubies can protect the wearer of diseases that may harm the body. The tiara was designed by Garrard & Co. in the form a wreath of roses, along with silver and diamond making the petals, at the center of the tiara is a cluster of gold and rubies forming a flower.
The Festoon Tiara
The British royal family is known to have an extensive collection of incredible jewels. Many of the jewels were owned by reigning kings and queens of that time. However, The Festoon tiara owned by Princess Royal Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth, in 1973 was the very first tiara she ever owned. This tiara was a gift from the World-Wide Shipping Group in Hong Kong as a wedding gift for her in the same year.
Queen Mary Fringe Tiara
Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara is a modern statement and different from Queen Adelaide Fringe Tiara. The tiara made of dismantled jewels that were given to her as a gift and are set in gold and silver by E. Wolfe & Co. of Garrard in 1919. The tiara is currently in possession of the Queen Elizabeth II.
Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik Tiara
Presented to Alexandra, Princess of Wales, as a wedding anniversary gift in 1888. The Kokoshnik tiara is based on a traditional Russian headdress, it was designed by Garrard & Co. with stunning vertical white gold bars, aligned with pave-set diamonds. It was then passed to her daughter-in-law which later passed it to Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
