THE STORY OF A CORONATION TIARA AND STAR OF EGYPT DIAMOND

The world of royalty is full of stories, secrets, and jewels. Each piece of jewelry has a story to tell that adds to the aura and mystique of the royal family. From Kate Middleton’s sapphire engagement ring to Queen Elizabeth’s brooch collection, each regal adornment is steeped in history.

One such piece of jewelry is the coronation tiara and Star of Egypt diamond. This magnificent piece of jewelry was given to Queen Elizabeth by her father, King George VI, in 1937, on the occasion of her coronation. The tiara is made of diamonds and platinum with a central brilliant-cut diamond and several smaller diamonds.

The coronation tiara is said to have been inspired by the Art Deco movement and is designed to resemble a band of petals. The central diamond is set in a criss-cross pattern, surrounded by smaller diamonds, with floral clusters at either side. The tiara was crafted by Garrard, the Crown Jewelers since 1843.

The Star of Egypt, a pear-shaped diamond weighing 101.84 carats, was added to the tiara in 1969. The diamond was found in the Wesselton mine in South Africa and was purchased by the jeweler Cartier for $1 million. The diamond was named the Star of Egypt because it was cut from a stone that had been discovered in Egypt in 1866.

The Star of Egypt is one of the world’s most famous diamonds, and its inclusion in the coronation tiara only adds to the regal history of the piece. It is said that the diamond was originally owned by the French industrialist Paul-Louis Weiller, who purchased it in 1954 from the estate of the Maharaja of Indore.

The coronation tiara and Star of Egypt diamond have been worn by Queen Elizabeth on many special occasions, including her Silver Jubilee in 1977 and her Diamond Jubilee in 2012. The tiara has also been worn by other members of the royal family, including Princess Margaret and Princess Anne.

The coronation tiara and Star of Egypt diamond are just one example of the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating the jewelry of royalty. Each piece tells a story, adds to the legacy of the royal family, and creates a sense of awe and wonder for all who behold it. They are symbols of history, tradition, and the power of royalty – and they will continue to fascinate and inspire us for generations to come.