Queen Victoria's Crown without the Koh-I-Noor Diamond as mentioned in The Illustrated London News , September 8, 1852 issue

Queen Victoria's Crown without the Koh-I-Noor Diamond as mentioned in The Illustrated London News , September 8, 1852 issue

For Spring Break 2019, I went to London for 5 days where I was able to go to the Tower of London which guards the Crown Jewels. In class, we briefly spoke about the Koh-I-Noor diamond when having to read The Illustrated London News (September, 8, 1852) to further grasp context of Victorian culture. I was able to see the Koh-I-Noor diamond in person which is now situated on Queen Elizabeth's imperial state crown, leaving Queen Victoria's crown bare as seen in the picture provided. Because of the strict no pictures policy, I was only able to get Queen Victoria's crown and not Queen Elizabeth's with the Koh-I-Noor diamond. I just found this so fascinating because we spoke about it in class and then I was able to see it in person. I think the idea that the diamond was taken out of Queen Victoria's crown to be set into Queen Elizabeth's showcases how history is in touch with us today and how we are continuously interacting with history and are still connected to it. It also gives insight on the history and culture of the monarchy of the United Kingdom; the ways which objects are preserved and their attachment to symbolizing power and the highest forms of glory. The Koh-I-Noor diamond is 105.6-carats- making it one of the largest diamonds in the world. The connection Queen Elizabeth has with the Victorian past is situated right on her head. It must have been a great importance to her to have the diamond in her crown as it has become a symbol of great power since Victoria acquired it from India during the British Conquest. Also, the diamond is only worn by female members of the royal family, as there is a superstitious belief that it may bring bad luck to any man who wears it.

Crown Jewel House, Tower of London, UK.

For article: Illustrated London News

For article: September 8, 1852
For photograph: March 2019

The United Kingdom

Photograph and article from a broadside.