Beginning with Queen Victoria's proclamation as Empress of India in 1877, an Imperial Durbar was held in India to mark the accession of each new Emperor or Empress. In 1911 King George V became the first monarch to participate in person when he suggested that he attend the Durbar in Delhi following his coronation in Westminster Abbey. There, he would meet Indian princes and rulers and announce the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. As it was not lawful to remove any of the regalia from England, it was decided that a new crown should be created for the occasion. Known as the Imperial Crown of India, it was designed by the Crown Jeweller, Garrard & Co. It is set with 6,100 diamonds and the band is decorated with 16 jewelled clusters including emeralds and sapphires. Four crosses-pattée and four fleurs-de-lis above the band are set with further emeralds, rubies and diamonds. One of the directors of Garrard & Co. accompanied the royal party to Delhi in case any last minute alterations needed to be made.

Despite the intense heat, the King wore full Coronation robes at the Durbar, together with the new crown. He later wrote in his diary 'Rather tired after wearing the Crown for 3 1/2 hours, it hurt my head, as it is pretty heavy'. On the return to England, the crown was added to the regalia in the Tower of London.