The Queen’s Crown.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue XI, 14 March 1903, Page 763

The Queen’s Crown.

Having received a private intimation that the Crown worn by Her Majesty Queen Alexandra at her coronation might be seen before it is broken up (as the jewels are all to be taken out ami reset in a different form). I took advant age of the offer, and was well rewarded by a sight of this beautiful work of art, at close quarters. Though ready for Her Majesty (who herself chose and approved of the design in May last), the crown was not on view then, and it was only by special favour that a few people were allowed to have a peep at it. The Koh i-noor blazes in front, great fleurs de lys and crosses of magnificent! diamonds forming the principal design above. The wide gold band which supports them, and which is thickly encrusted with email diamonds, makes an imposing show. Several diamond arches support a great ball, which is again surmounted by a cross of diamonds, and the fact that there are absolutely no other jewels in the whole design makes this erown unusually chaste and brilliant. Red, not

purple velvet (as generally supposed), forms the cap, and a very narrow edging of ermine peeps from beneath the lowest band of diamonds round the head.