What Gemstones Are in St Edward’s Crown? A Gemmologist Explains
Updated: Sep 22
St Edward’s Crown gemstones are more difficult to interpret than they first appear. The Royal Collection Trust describes its solid-gold frame as being set with rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnet, topazes and tourmalines. More detailed inventories also mention aquamarine and several older gem names.
The crown is commonly said to contain 444 stones. However, published lists do not always use the same terminology, or provide totals that reconcile neatly. As a gemmologist, I would therefore treat 444 as the commonly published figure rather than a count that can be independently verified from photographs.
What Is St Edward’s Crown?
St Edward’s Crown is the crown placed on the monarch’s head at the moment of crowning during a British coronation. It is not the crown normally worn at other state occasions.
Charles II's crown was made in 1661, replacing the medieval crown that was melted down in 1649. It was commissioned from Royal Goldsmith Robert Vyner and follows the earlier design with four crosses-pattée, four fleurs-de-lis and two arches.
Its solid-gold frame weighs approximately 2.23 kilograms, nearly five pounds. It was most recently used to crown King Charles III in 2023.
Which Gemstones Are Set in St Edward’s Crown?
The Royal Collection Trust’s current description names:
Rubies
Amethysts
Sapphires
Garnet
Topazes
Tourmalines
More detailed published inventories also refer to aquamarines, spinel, peridot and jargoons.
Some of these differences arise because a gemstone may be described by its mineral species, its variety or an older historical name. Aquamarine, for example, is the blue-to-green-blue variety of beryl. “Jargoon” is an old name historically applied to pale or colourless zircon, while “carbuncle” was once used for certain polished red gemstones rather than one precise mineral species.
This is why apparently straightforward lists can vary between sources.
Can You Identify the Gemstones from Photographs?
A photograph can provide clues, but it cannot confirm a gemstone’s identity.
Lighting, reflections from the gold setting, image processing and the colour of neighbouring stones can all alter how a gemstone appears. Several different minerals may also display similar colours.
A red stone might be ruby, spinel, garnet or another material. A pale-blue stone could potentially be aquamarine, topaz or something else entirely.
Photographs also cannot reliably establish whether a gemstone is natural or synthetic, whether it has been treated, where it originated or what its internal characteristics are. Those conclusions normally require examination and appropriate gemmological testing. Therefore, while I can suggest possibilities from a clear image, I would not issue a definitive identification from a photograph alone.
Why Were the Gemstones Permanently Added in 1911?
For earlier coronations, St Edward’s Crown was decorated with hired stones that were removed afterwards.
Historic Royal Palaces records that King George V had the crown permanently set with coloured stones in 1911. It has remained a working part of the Crown Jewels and is reserved for the actual moment of crowning.
This history also explains why its gemstones should not be judged like a modern collection assembled primarily for rarity or investment value. Their significance comes from their place within an object of exceptional cultural, ceremonial and historical importance.
St Edward’s Crown and the Imperial State Crown Are Different
The two crowns are frequently confused. St Edward’s Crown is used only for the moment of crowning. The Imperial State Crown is worn when the monarch leaves Westminster Abbey following the coronation and at occasions such as the State Opening of Parliament.
The Cullinan II diamond, Stuart Sapphire and Black Prince’s Ruby all belong to the Imperial State Crown, not St Edward’s Crown.
The Black Prince’s Ruby is also not a ruby in gemmological terms. It is a red spinel, demonstrating how historical gemstone names can survive long after a stone has been scientifically identified.
Are the Gemstones in St Edward’s Crown Rare or Valuable?
A gemstone cannot be valued accurately from its name, colour or apparent size alone.
For coloured gemstones, value may be influenced by:
Identity and variety
Colour quality
Clarity and transparency
Cut and proportions
Carat weight
Treatments
Origin, where reliably established
Provenance and historical importance
It would therefore be misleading to assume that every gemstone in the crown must be exceptionally rare simply because it forms part of the Crown Jewels.
The crown’s cultural and historical importance is incalculable, but that is different from assessing the commercial value of its individual stones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gemstones are in St Edward’s Crown?
The figure most frequently published is 444. However, the Royal Collection Trust’s concise online description lists the principal gemstone types without providing a complete stone-by-stone count.
Who made the current St Edward’s Crown?
Royal Goldsmith Robert Vyner made the crown for Charles II in 1661.
How heavy is St Edward’s Crown?
Its solid-gold frame weighs approximately 2.23 kilograms, or nearly five pounds.
Where is St Edward’s Crown kept?
It forms part of the Crown Jewels, which are normally displayed at the Jewel House in the Tower of London.
Is the Black Prince’s Ruby in St Edward’s Crown?
No. The Black Prince’s Ruby, actually a red spinel, is set in the Imperial State Crown.
What This Crown Teaches Modern Gemstone Buyers
St Edward’s Crown provides a useful lesson: colour, reputation and an impressive story do not prove a gemstone’s identity.
Whether examining a royal crown or considering a personal purchase, dependable conclusions require evidence, appropriate testing and careful interpretation. If you are making an important gemstone purchase, my independent gemstone sourcing service can help you evaluate your options before committing.
Kim Rix GG GIA
Independent Gemstone Sourcing Specialist
Gemstone Detective
