King Charles III‘s coronation on Saturday, May 6 is the most significant event to take place for the British monarchy and royal family since Queen Elizabeth II‘s crowning ceremony nearly 70 years ago on June 2, 1953. As such a momentous occasion, the royals and coronation guests are taking advantage of the opportunity to parade their finest jewels and gems.
The king’s coronation jewelry from the royal family’s rare and expensive collection was previously estimated to be valued at a jaw-dropping, mindboggling $4.2 billion, according to Crisscut Magazine. The gold, silver, and platinum Imperial State Crown, which Charles will wear as he exits Westminster Abbey following the crowning, was commissioned for King George VI’s coronation in 1937 and “is decorated with 2,868 diamonds, 269 pearls, 17 sapphires, and 11 emeralds,” ringing in at an estimated $2.8 billion alone. Note that this is only one piece of jewelry he’s anticipated to wear during the ceremony.
Other senior members of the royal family, including Queen Consort Camilla, Princess Anne, and Kate Middleton are expected to be bejeweled in other precious pieces from the family’s sublime collection. In fact, Buckingham Palace announced a plan to break tradition in regard to Camilla’s coronation crown.
The new queen will wear Queen Mary’s Crown, marking “the first time in recent history that an existing crown will be used for the Coronation of a Consort instead of a new commission being made.” While the decision was cited as being in “the interests of sustainability and efficiency,” the palace is notably adding Cullinan III, IV, and V diamonds to the majestic 1911 crown, which are valued at $50 million themselves, per Robb Report.
As the monumental ceremony unfolds, we’re taking a look at all of the most magnificent jewelry worn at King Charles III’s coronation — scroll on for photos of each extraordinary piece.
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King Charles’ Crown
Image Credit: Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images After being officially crowned His Majesty King Charles III, the new monarch walked out of Westminster Abbey with the magnificent Imperial State Crown atop his head.
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Queen Consort Camilla’s Crown
Image Credit: Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images. Queen Consort Camilla wears an emotional smile with Queen Mary’s Crown atop her head, taking in the weight of her new role. She also wears massive diamond earrings and an equally jaw-dropping diamond necklace.
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Kate Middleton’s Floral Headpiece
Kate Middleton arrives with Prince William at Westminster Abbey wearing a stunning headpiece of sparkling florals.
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Kate’s Symbolic Earrings
Image Credit: Dan Charity - WPA Pool/Getty Images. In addition to her incredible headpiece, Kate wore two other symbolic items: Princess Diana’s George VI Festoon necklace and South Sea pearl earrings.
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Princess Charlotte’s Tiara
Princess Charlotte is seen wearing a darling wreath-style tiara as she shoots her signature withering look at photographers.
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Duchess Sophie’s Earrings
Image Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Image. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, wears a beautiful pair of diamond and sapphire drop earrings.
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Princess Eugenie’s Matching Set
Image Credit: Toby Melville - WPA Pool/Getty Images. Princess Eugenie is seen in a stunning matching set for the special occasion: teardrop-shaped diamond earrings with a similarly encrusted diamond necklace.
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Zara Phillips’ Earrings & Brooch
Zara Phillips wears a light-catching pair of diamond earrings and a silver brooch.
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Princess Beatrice’s Pink Earrings
Image Credit: Getty Images. Princess Beatrice wears a gorgeous pair of pink cluster-style hoop earrings — a more unique, modern selection compared to those of her royal family members.
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