which, considering the number and kinds of gems it contains,
is undoubtedly below its real value. A summary of these is as
follows:—5 rubies, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 277 pearls, and
2783 diamonds, including brilliants, rose, and table: total 3093
gems. In the centre of a Maltese cross made of diamonds,
adorning the front of the crown, is placed the celebrated ruby
given to the Black Prince by Don Pedro of Castile, in 1367,
and worn in the helmet of Henry V. at the battle of Agincourt,
1415. The cross surmounting the diadem, contains the
sapphire set in the ring of Edward the Confessor, which tradition has endowed with marvellous powers.
The jewel-room holds various other emblems of royal
power, as sceptres, bracelets, orbs, and other articles used at
coronations. Saint Edward's staff of beaten gold, four feet
seven inches in length, and surmounted by an orb and a cross,
is carried before the sovereign on such occasions, and the
regal sceptre, with a cross of gold ornamented with a large
table diamond and other gems, is placed in the royal hands by
the Archbishop of Canterbury, who officiates at this ceremony.
This sceptre is two feet nine inches in length with the pommel
ornamented by diamonds, emeralds, and rubies, and bears a
rose, shamrock, and thistle, emblems of the different countries
of Great Britain. The Rod of Equity, a sceptre surmounted
with a dove, and embellished with a band of rose diamonds, is
borne in the left hand of the sovereign at his investiture with
regal power. Two sceptres, of smaller size, called the queen's
sceptres, are adorned with precious stones.
The regalia include the following : the king's orb, set with
pearls and large amethysts ; the queen's orb, similar to the
king's ; the pointless Sword of Mercy, called the Curtana ; two
swords of justice, one for the state, borne before the sovereign,
and the other for the church ; bracelets, spurs, ampulla for
