The St. Edward's Sapphire is the large blue Sapphire set in the centre of the cross on to of the Imperial State Crown, shortly to be bestowed upon King Charles III. It is a precious gemstone that is steeped in history, legend, and mystery. It is one of the most famous and valuable Sapphires in the world, with a rich heritage that stretches back centuries. This magnificent stone is named after Edward the Confessor, the English king who lived in the 11th century, and whose reign is remembered for its peace and prosperity.
Let me tell you, my lovely readers, it is said to have been worn in the coronation ring of Edward the Confessor himself, who ascended the throne of England in 1042, twenty-four years before the Norman conquest. Edward, one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings of England, was buried with the ring at Westminster Abbey in 1066. It was reputedly taken from the ring when Edward's body was re-interred in 1269.
How the gem survived the English Civil War in the 17th century is not clear, but it was most likely re-cut into its present form for Charles II after the restoration of the monarchy.
Queen Victoria added the jewel to the Imperial State Crown, giving it a leading role in the centre of the cross at the top of the crown, where it remains today in the similar crown last worn by Queen Elizabeth II.
Legend has it that the Sapphire was originally brought to England by the Apostle St. Thomas, who gave it to Edward as a gift. From there, it passed through the hands of many English kings and queens, including Henry VIII and Queen Victoria, who were both said to have worn it in their crowns.
But the St. Edward's Sapphire has more to offer than just a fascinating history. It's a truly breathtaking rose-cut blue Sapphire of unknown weight, with an exceptional deep blue colour and brilliance that is both captivating and mesmerizing. And it's not just the colour that makes it special - the stone is also incredibly rare, with only a handful of Sapphires of this size and quality in the world.
The present rose-cut shape of the St. Edward’s Sapphire is perhaps not the original shape of this ancient gemstone. It is believed that the stone was re-cut during the reign of King Charles II, after the restoration of the monarchy following the brief but tumultuous period of the republican commonwealth. The fact that the rose-cut was developed in Europe in the mid-16th century gives credence to this belief.
In fact, the St. Edward's Sapphire is so valuable and important that it is kept under lock and key in the Jewel House at the Tower of London, alongside the Crown Jewels. So if you ever find yourself in London, and you want to catch a glimpse of this stunning stone, you'll need to head over to the Tower and hope that the guards are feeling generous!
But perhaps the most intriguing thing about the St. Edward's Sapphire is the mystery that surrounds it. There are many stories and legends about the stone, some of which suggest that it has magical powers or that it is cursed.
Of course, we can't know for sure what's true and what's not when it comes to the St. Edward's Sapphire. But that's part of what makes it so fascinating. It's a gemstone that has captured the imagination of people for centuries, and it continues to do so today.
So there you have it, my friends - a brief overview of the St. Edward's Sapphire, the jewel of the English crown. It's a stone that is both beautiful and mysterious, and it has a history that is rich and fascinating. Whether you're a lover of gemstones or just a fan of history and legend, the St. Edward's Sapphire is definitely worth learning more about.