In 1870 Queen Victoria, finding the Imperial State Crown too heavy, designed and commissioned this delightful small crown to be made, using some of the diamonds from her own collection - mainly from a large necklace.

Tiny, just 3.7” (9.9 cm) in height and 3.4” (9cm) in diameter, the crown is set with some 1300 diamonds. The Small Diamond Crown was worn by Queen Victoria on a great number of occasions, including the opening of Parliament. On her death in 1901 the crown was placed on her coffin at Osborne House.The crown was made in 1870, using some 1,300 diamonds from a large necklace and other jewelry in the Queen's personal collection. It was deposited in the Tower of London in 1927, by King George VI.

As can be seen it was used on coinage and on medals including medals awarded to Australians and New Zealanders.Queen Victoria's Small Diamond Crown measures 3.7 inches (9.9 cm) high and 3.4 inches (9 cm) in diameter. It was worn atop a widow's cap. The crown was made in 1870, using some 1,300 diamonds from a large necklace and other jewelry in the Queen's personal collection.