The Gems Queen Camilla May Wear to King Charles III’s Coronation

May 3, 2023

This week, the United Kingdom won't just crown a new King, but a new Queen. We already know that the Queen Consort, Camilla, will wear the famous Queen Mary crown for the occasion. No longer fitted with the controversial Koh-i-Noor diamond, it has instead been replaced by other colonial-era diamonds, the Cullinan's. 

However, as the new Queen, Camilla will have an incredible array of diamonds and gems to choose from for the rest of her glittering wardrobe on this historic occasion. So we took a deep dive into the Crown Jewels to come up with a few famous pieces with ties to the coronation that we may see her wear this week. 

The Queen Consort's Ring

While much of this list has historical significance related to the coronation ceremony, it's only the Queen Consort's Ring that we're sure Camilla will wear. Made in 1831 for the coronation of William IV and Queen Adelaide, this octagonal mixed-cut ruby ring with fourteen cushion-shaped brilliants has been worn by every Queen Consort since. Although, the history of this tradition — presenting the king and queen with a ring on the day of coronation — dates back much further, possibly all the way to Matilda of Flanders, Queen Consort of England in 1068.

Coronation Necklace

Made especially for Queen Victoria and presented to her in 1858, the coronation necklace was made by Gerrard and consists of 25 graduated brilliant diamonds, as well as the Lahore Diamond as a pendant, weighing in at 22.48 carats. The necklace has a history of being worn by Queen consorts during their coronations, including Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and most recently Queen Elizabeth II. 

Coronation Earrings

Previously worn by Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, the Coronation Earrings were also made especially for Queen Victoria and presented to her in 1858 alongside the Coronation Necklace. The earrings are incredibly special, featuring a pair of cushion-cut diamond collet studs with two large, pear-shaped pendants that hang beneath. Interestingly, these diamonds were originally part of the first royal setting of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond, later reused for the Timur Ruby Necklace and then as the Coronation Earrings.

Queen Elizabeth's Coronation Necklace

When Queen Elizabeth was crowned queen in 1937, her husband, King King George VI, gifted her this necklace to commemorate the day. Fittingly for a queen, she also wore Victoria's Coronation Necklace, as well as two strings of pearls. Queen Camilla may not be so bold to stack the necklaces in such a way. But, she could wear this piece as she did before when her mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II, loaned it to her for her 60th birthday and a state banquet.