The late Queen Elizabeth II possessed the largest jewelry collection in history, with glistening tiaras, diadems encrusted with diamonds, strings of pearls, and more at her disposal.
The George IV State Diadem, also known as the Diamond Diadem, is one of the most valuable gems in the 23,578 gemstones that make up the Crown Jewels collection. For £8,216, George IV hired Rundell & Bridge to create the piece in 1820. It is one of the most symbolic crowns in the royal collection and is thought to be worth close to £800,000 at this time.

One of the Queen’s most recognizable crowns is the Diamond Diadem. Although it rarely appears in public, it can be found on British and Commonwealth coinage, postal stamps, and banknotes.
Throughout her reign, the Queen only occasionally wore the tiara, most notably in 1952 for the first State Opening of Parliament and in 1953 while traveling to her coronation. It is especially unique because it is only permitted for monarchs and queen consorts.
Who will be the next royal to don the Diamond Diadem?
It’s unlikely that the gleaming diamond-studded object will appear in public anytime soon. The diadem has only been worn by four queens since the 19th century, according to the Royal Collection Trust: Queen Victoria, Alexandra, Mary, and Elizabeth II.
The statement crown, which is typically worn by women, is most likely to be worn by Queen Consort Camilla, the wife of King Charles III, rather than the king himself.
The 75-year-old royal is expected to wear the heirloom to official State Openings or to her husband’s coronation, as expected by royal fans.

The title of Queen Consort will pass to Prince William’s wife when she becomes the next monarch. The honor of donning the priceless jewels will then be shared by the Princess of Wales.
The narrow band of the silver and gold-lined diadem is edged with pearls, and it is topped with four pattéed crosses as well as four sprays of roses, shamrocks, and thistles, which are the national symbols of England, Ireland, and Scotland.
It is typically worn over a velvet cap, but Elizabeth II preferred to wear it by itself. It is set with 1,333 diamonds, including a four-carat pale yellow brilliant in the center of the front cross.