The Crown Jewels
The Crown Jewels are the most complete collection of royal regalia in the world
The Imperial State Crown
1937RCIN 31701
The Imperial State Crown is the crown worn by the monarch to leave Westminster Abbey after the coronation ceremony The Imperial State Crown is also used on other formal occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament.
Because the State Crown is used so regularly, it has needed periodic replacement, while Charles II’s original coronation crown has survived. This example was made for King George VI in 1937. In addition to 2868 diamonds, it is mounted with a number of historic stones – many of which have legends associated with them. They include St Edward's Sapphire, said to have been given by Edward the Confessor to a beggar later identified as St John the Evangelist. The crown also includes Cullinan II, the second largest stone cut from the great Cullinan Diamond, the largest diamond ever discovered.