King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be crowned at their coronation ceremony on 6th May 2023, which is expected to be a grand occasion.
The Sovereign’s Ring – which will be placed on King Charles’ fourth finger before he receives St Edwards Crown – is an important symbol of a monarch’s coronation, but did you know that there’s also a Queen Consort ring?
It’s likely that Queen Camilla will wear the special ring, which was made for the coronation of King William IV and Queen Adelaide in 1831.
Fine jewellery and engagement ring experts at Steven Stone have taken a close look at the ring, revealing everything you need to know – including how much it’s worth and how it compares to the Sovereign’s Ring.
The Queen Consort Ring
Estimated Value: £400,000 ($500,000)
Like the sovereign, the Queen Consort is presented with a ring during the coronation ceremony, which symbolises her being “wedded” to the people and the King.
The Queen Consort’s Ring was supplied to Queen Adelaide for the coronation of 1831, by the royal goldsmiths, Rundell, Bridge & Rundell.
The ring features a 12-15ct octagonal ruby in a gold setting. Adding a further 10ct to the ring, the ruby is surrounded by 14 cushion cut diamonds and 14 mixed cut rubies on the gold shank.
Last used for the Queen Mother’s coronation with her husband, King George VI, in 1937, the ceremonial ring has been worn by every Queen Consort since Edward VII was crowned in 1902.
The Sovereign’s Ring
Estimated Value: £350,000 ($440,000)
The Sovereign’s Ring was made by the royal goldsmiths, Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, for the coronation of King William IV and Queen Adelaide in 1831.
During the coronation ceremony the ring is placed on the fourth finger of the sovereign by the archbishop, as a symbol of kingly dignity. All Sovereigns from King Edward VII onwards have used it at their coronations – with the exception of Queen Victoria, who didn’t wear it for her coronation in 1838 due to her short fingers.
The ring is composed of a mixed-cut octagonal sapphire in a gold setting overlaid with four rectangular-cut and one square-cut rubies, butted together in a gold strip setting to form a cross, with a border of fourteen cushion-shaped diamonds and a diamond on each shoulder, with a gold hoop.
The general design is intended to represent the red St George’s Cross England on the blue background of St Andrew’s Cross.
“During his coronation, King Charles III will have a special ring placed on his fourth finger to symbolise being “wedded” to the people – and so will Queen Camilla. Camilla is likely to wear the Queen Consort’s ring, which was made in 1831 for Queen Adelaide, the wife of King William IV.
Queen Adelaide’s ring features a 12-15ct octagonal ruby in a gold setting. Adding a further 10ct to the ring, the ruby is surrounded by 14 cushion-cut diamonds and 14 mixed-cut rubies on the gold shank.
Laced with history, the ceremonial ring has since been worn by three successive Queen Consorts – Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
I’d estimate the interesting piece to be worth £400,000 ($500,000).”
maxwell stone, creative director, steven stone
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