Monarchies & Diamonds

In Europe, unlike in Latin America, monarchies still exist, which in times past were solely responsible for the government of their countries. These monarchical figures, although still in force, do not necessarily have any political influence in the country, or if they do, they have a democratic cabinet with which they jointly make the country's political decisions, as is the case in countries like Spain and England. Despite these social changes, the truth is that the inhabitants still have a certain decorum toward all members of the royal family. Although their involvement in state affairs is no longer total, they still retain the wealth that has distinguished them for centuries. In addition to the lavish palaces or properties in which they live, another attraction is the collections of jewels and diamonds that are part of their private collections, which expand their financial assets. One of the most striking collections are those of the British Royal Family. Their belongings consist of crowns, scepters, rings, tiaras, and other pieces crafted from the most valued metals and precious stones in the world. The jewels are worn by the Queen or another member of the royal family only at extremely important events or when protocol requires it. Outside of these ceremonies, the pieces are kept in the Tower of London under a high-security system, as it is one of the most highly valued collections in the world. In this article, we will review some of the most outstanding pieces in this marvelous collection, which is valued not only for the fineness of the pieces that comprise it, nor for their economic value, but for the delicate design, which undoubtedly transforms them into valuable works of art. St. Edward's Crown is one of the centerpieces of the collection, as it is used exclusively during the coronation ceremonies of new kings or queens. The base structure is made of gold and seeks to evoke the shape of eight rosettes alternating with fleurs-de-lis, which are joined together in a cross. Some of the precious stones that make up its structure are sapphires, amethysts, pearls, and topazes of the highest quality. It is used only when crowning the new reigning monarch of Great Britain, not only because of its high value but also because of its large size. It weighs almost two kilos. For highly formal events, such as coronations or appointments of other members of royalty, as well as the opening ceremonies of parliamentary sessions, the monarch will use the Imperial State Crown. Made for Queen Victoria in 1838, and unlike St. Edward's, this crown weighs just under a kilo, allowing it to be worn more frequently. It consists of four tiaras set with more than two thousand diamonds , pearls, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. The interior is made of a velvet layer. However, crowns are not the only symbols of a monarch's moral and political importance. Scepters are also present. The collection includes four scepters and orbs, whose use, like the crowns, is limited to certain highly important ceremonial ceremonies. The Scepter of the Cross, another of the official regalia the monarch must wear on his coronation day, measures just under a meter. Its structure is made of gold and is inlaid with the brilliant Cullinan I, long considered the largest precious stone on record, weighing over 530 carats. It is also known as the Great Star of Africa. The orbs are spheres sometimes mounted on scepters that represent the globe and were basically a representation of authority. In the case of the Sovereign's Orb, it is carried by the monarch during their coronation ceremony and consists simply of a hollow gold sphere with a cross at the top. It is also crossed by two lines of precious stones. This orb represents the monarch as the great defender of the faith. Other pieces that are part of the coronation ceremony are five jeweled swords, which are not used for combat; they are merely ornamental. In ancient times, all five swords were used, but in more recent years, the monarch carries only the Jeweled Sword of Offering, which contains various emblems representing the vegetation of Great Britain. Like the other pieces, the gold bases are combined with different types of precious stones. The remaining swords are only displayed in the hall where the ceremonial ceremony is taking place. Those in charge of naming the new kings are high-ranking members of the British Church. In this case, the responsibility falls to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who, through an anointing ceremony, anoints the new monarch with oil poured from a golden vessel shaped like an eagle. He also uses the anointing spoon, also made of gold and decorated with pearls. These two pieces are the oldest of all those used during the coronation process.