Coronation Set worn by Queen Elizabeth II

The Coronation Necklace and Earrings represent one of the most historically significant diamond suites in the British royal collection. Commissioned in 1858, the parish was born out of a necessity to replenish the sovereign's treasury following a legal ruling that saw a portion of the royal jewels returned to the House of Hanover. Designed to showcase the sheer magnitude of the crown’s diamond holdings, the set has since become the definitive ornament for the crowning of British queens.

Origins and the Lahore Diamonds

Queen Victoria authorized the creation of the suite by the official crown jewelry workshop, utilizing stones repurposed from various military badges and ceremonial sword hilts. The design is a masterpiece of the rivière style, focusing on the purity and scale of the gems:

• The Necklace: It consists of 25 substantial cushion-cut diamonds, meticulously graduated to lead the eye toward the center.
• The Lahore Diamond: The centerpiece is a magnificent 22.48-carat pendant known as the Lahore Diamond. This stone was added to the royal collection in 1849 and serves as the necklace's primary focal point.
• The Earrings: The coordinating earrings feature two large brilliant-cut diamonds that suspend heavy, pear-shaped drops. Like the necklace pendant, these drops were sourced from the same historic treasury, ensuring a perfect chromatic and stylistic match.

A Century of Ceremonial Tradition

The suite earned its "Coronation" title through its consistent use during the most sacred rites of the monarchy. The tradition of wearing these specific diamonds for a crowning ceremony began with Queen Alexandra in 1902 and was continued by Queen Mary (1911) and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (1937).

The set achieved its most iconic status in 1953, when Queen Elizabeth II wore it for her coronation at Westminster Abbey. Throughout her seventy-year reign, the necklace remained a cornerstone of her formal wardrobe, frequently appearing in official state portraits and at the most prestigious diplomatic banquets.

Modern Continuity and the 2025 Record

The historical lineage of the piece was reaffirmed in May 2023, when it was utilized as the primary jewelry for Queen Camilla during the coronation of King Charles III. By selecting this specific heirloom, the Queen Consort provided a visual link to the generations of women who had preceded her in the role.

As of late 2025, the Coronation Necklace and Earrings remain among the most valuable assets in the sovereign’s private collection. Most recently, the set was featured in a December 2025 archival study of the most important "living" jewels of the House of Windsor. It continues to be celebrated not just for its extraordinary carat weight, but as a material record of the continuity and survival of the British state through nearly two centuries of change.