What is the Imperial State Crown?
Q: What is the Imperial State Crown?
A: The Imperial State Crown is one of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom and symbolises the sovereignty of the monarch.
Q: How long has the Imperial State Crown existed?
A: The crown has existed in several versions since the 15th century.
Q: How is the modern version of the Imperial State Crown designed?
A: The modern version of the Imperial State Crown is of a design somewhat similar to that of St Edward's Crown, but shorter and encrusted with jewels: it includes a base of four crosses alternating with four fleurs-de-lis, above which are four half-arches surmounted by a cross.
Q: What precious gems are included in the Imperial State Crown?
A: The Imperial State Crown includes many precious gems, including 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies.
Q: What famous jewels are included in the Imperial State Crown?
A: The crown includes several famous jewels, such as the St. Edward's Sapphire, the Black Prince's Ruby, the Cullinan II (or Lesser Star of Africa), and the Stuart Sapphire. It also contains Queen Elizabeth’s Pearls.
Q: Where is the Imperial State Crown kept when not in use?
A: When not in use, the Imperial State Crown is kept with the other Crown Jewels on display at the Jewel House in the Tower of London.
Q: What is the significance of the Imperial State Crown?
A: As one of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, the Imperial State Crown symbolises the sovereignty of the monarch.
