How Many Carats in the Crown Jewels?
The British Crown Jewels, a collection of royal regalia and ornaments, have been a symbol of British monarchy and sovereignty for centuries. Comprising an impressive array of gems and ornaments, the collection is renowned for its beauty and historical significance. One of the most frequently asked questions about these jewels is: how many carats are in the crown jewels?
The answer to this question is not straightforward, as the collection consists of various pieces, each with its own unique gemstones and carat weights. However, some of the most iconic jewels in the collection are the Queen Mary’s Crown, the Imperial State Crown, and the St Edward’s Crown.
The Queen Mary’s Crown, which was made for the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937, is adorned with 2,868 diamonds, totaling approximately 1,100 carats. The crown also features a large central diamond, the St Edward’s Sapphire, which is set in a white gold frame. The sapphire itself weighs around 104.4 carats.
The Imperial State Crown, which is worn by the British monarch on ceremonial occasions, is another gem-studded masterpiece. It contains 2,868 diamonds, 274 pearls, and 17 sapphires, totaling approximately 5,236 carats. The crown’s central feature is the Cullinan I diamond, which is the largest cut diamond in the world, weighing 530.2 carats.
The St Edward’s Crown, which is used for the coronation of the British monarch, is another prominent piece in the collection. It is made of gold and silver and is adorned with 104 precious stones, including the Cullinan II diamond, which weighs 66.5 carats.
In addition to these iconic pieces, the crown jewels also include a variety of other ornaments, such as the Order of the Garter sash, the St George’s Sword, and the orb and scepter. Each of these pieces is unique and carries its own set of gemstones and carat weights.
Overall, the British Crown Jewels contain a vast array of precious stones, with an estimated total carat weight of over 23,000 carats. This makes the collection one of the most valuable and impressive in the world. The jewels’ historical significance and beauty continue to captivate the public’s imagination, and their total carat weight is just one of the many fascinating aspects of this remarkable collection.
