The British Crown of India (1911)
Made for the Delhi 'Durbar'

King George V wished his coronation at Westminster Abbey in 1911 to be followed by a separate ceremony in Delhi at which he could be crowned Emperor of India. This scheme for an Imperial Coronation was rejected as inappropriate for a nation composed largely of non-Christians. Instead, it was decided that King George and Queen Mary should appear wearing their crowns at a Durbar (Court) in India. This posed a problem as an Act of Parliament prevents the Crown Jewels for leaving the shores of England. It had been the habit of English kings to take the Crown Jewels with them when fighting overseas. If they became short of money to pay their troops the Crown Jewels would be pawned to pay the deficit. Edward III was the last king to take the crowns overseas.

A new crown was clearly required for the Durbar. The work was carried out for Garrards by another firm, Carrington and Company, who had also been responsible for the manufacture of Queen Alexandra's crown in 1902. The gold and silver frame was set with 6002 diamonds and coloured gems of exceptional quality. Jewels of Indian origin were deliberately chosen. The estimate specifically stipulated 'Indian Emeralds and four Indian Sapphires at intervals, carrying four crosses pattees of fine diamonds with Indian Emerald centres.'

The Delhi Durbar took place on 12th December 1911. Throughout the lengthy ceremony, in the blazing heat, King George V, wore full state robes to receive the homage of the Indian Princes. The King wrote in his diary that evening "rather tired after wearing the new crown for 3.5 hours. It hurt my head and is pretty heavy"! Not surprising as the crown weighs 2 lbs 3oz!

At the end of the trip the crown was brought back to England and placed in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. Two years later the £60,000 cost of its manufacture was met by the India Office from Indian revenues. The crown has remained unworn from the day of the Delhi Durbar.