p. 9 | SOME ROYAL CROWNS

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 7, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 27.

SOME ROYAL CROWNS.

REGAL crowns are an expensive luxury for the people of those backward countries which still prefer to have kings to presidents. One of the most costly crowns in existence is that of the king of Portugal. The jewels which ornament it are valued at $8,000,000. The crown which the czar of Russia wears on special occasions is also one of the most precious in the world. The cross which surmounts the crown is composed of five magnificent diamonds, resting on a large uncut but polished ruby. The small crown of the czarina contains, according to authorities, the finest stones ever strung.

The crown of the queen of England, which is valued at $1,800,000, contains a great ruby, a large sapphire, 16 small sapphires, 8 emeralds, 4 small rubies, 1,360 brilliants, 1,273 rose diamonds, 4 pear-formed pearls, and 269 of other shapes. In his state clothes, including the crown, the sultan of Johore wears diamonds worth $12,000,000. His collar, his epaulets, his girdle, and his cuffs sparkle with the precious stones. His bracelets are of massive gold, and his fingers are covered with rings which are almost priceless. The handle and the blade of his sword are covered with precious stones.

The most costly insignia of princely dignity, however, are those of the sultan, or Maharajah of Baroda, in India. The chief ornament is a necklace of 5 strings, containing 500 diamonds, some of which are as large as hazelnuts. The upper and lower rows consist of emeralds of the same size.—N. Y. Tribune.