Imperial Crown of India Replica

The Imperial Crown of India was made for King George V to wear at the Delhi Durbar in 1911, when he was acclaimed Emperor of India. A special crown had to be made as the Imperial State Crown cannot be taken out of England. The Imperial Crown of India will probably never be worn again and its significance is now purely historical. The crown has eight half arches which spring from the cross pattee and fleur-de-lis, and it contains a remarkably fine emerald, a number of other emeralds, sapphires, rubies and over 6000 diamonds which were sent over from India. The Imperial Crown of India is housed in the Jewel Hall of the Tower of London, and displayed on its own, away from the State Crowns. It is not part of the British Crown Jewels. King George and Queen Mary travelled to Delhi for the Durbar service, during which they were to be proclaimed Emperor and Empress of India. The King was not crowned at the service because the Archbishop of Canterbury did not think it suitable for a Christian religious service to take place in a predominantly Hindu country. Therefore, the King was already wearing the crown when he entered the arena where the Durbar was taking place. The crown has not been worn by any sovereign since. Item No:  60-006