A BLAZE OF FLASHING JEWELS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1263, 14 May 1896, Page 34

A BLAZE OF FLASHING JEWELS.

I The crown to bo used in the coronation of the Emperor at Moscow resembles in shape a initio. At tho summit is a cross of five perfect diamonds and the pearshaped ruby, tho finest in the world. All tho other gems used in the decoration are puro white diamonds and pearls. These stones are set in silver, and the lining of tho crown is of purple velvet. This crown was made in Gonova at tho command of Catherine 11., and is valued at 1,100,000 roubles. Tho sceptre to bo used was mado for tho coronation of Emperor Paul in 1797, and it is tho finest that the world has ever seen. It is surmounted by the famous i Orloff diamond. Tho orb is of solid gold, set with a triple row of diamonds and one great almond-shaped diamond. The diamond cross is supported by a sapphire worth a fabulous prico. The collar, star and jewel of tho Order of St. Andrew, which tho Emperor will also don, is ornamented with live pink diamonds and two Siberian aquamarines, one bluo and ono green, set in diamonds. The decoration is valued at moro than 100,000 roubles. Tho Czarina will wear tho state coronet, the necklet of which contains huge single diamonds from which are pendent larger stones. Her coronation robe will bo the most costly ever made. In addition to the state jewels tho Empress will wear all the exquisite gifts of jewellery which her husband has given to her since her marriage.