St. Edward's Crown

The Crown of England, known as St. Edward's Crown, is the one with which the King is crowned when he ascends the throne. It was made for the Coronation of Charles II., and fashioned as nearly as possible after the pattern of the ancient crown destroyed by the Commonwealth.

The crown consists of a rim or circlet of gold, adorned with rosettes of precious stones, surrounded by diamonds. From the rim rise four crosses patée, and four fleurs-de-lys alternately, adorned with diamonds and other gems. From the tops of the crosses rise two complete arches of gold, crossing each other, and curving deeply downwards at the point of intersection. These arches are considered to be the mark of independent sovereignty. They are edged with rows of silver pearls, and have clusters of gems upon them.

From the intersection of the arches springs a mound of gold, encircled by a fillet from which rises a single arch, both of which are ornamented with pearls and gems. On the top of the arch is a cross patée of gold, set with coloured gems and diamonds. At the top of the cross is a large spheroidal pearl, and from each of the side arms, depending from a little gold bracket, is a beautifully formed pear-shaped pearl.



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