The crown is formed from a frame of silver, laminated with gold, set with 6,100 diamonds, mainly brilliant-cut. The band is set with sixteen jewelled clusters forming the frieze, variously set with cabochon and step-cut emeralds and mixed-cut sapphires surrounded by diamonds, alternating with lozenges set with diamonds, between borders of brilliant-cut diamonds and trefoils. Above the band are four crosses-pattée and four fleurs-de-lis; the crosses set in the centre with rubies, the fleurs-de-lis with emeralds, all with further diamonds. The eight tapering half-arches, cast in a pattern of paired leaves and stylised buds, spring from the crosses and fleurs-de-lis and terminate in scrolls, supporting the monde, and surmounted by another cross-pattée with an emerald in the centre.

In 1911 King George V conceived the idea of an Imperial Durbar to be held in Delhi, after his coronation in Westminster Abbey, at which he would meet Indian princes and rulers and announce the transfer of the captial from Calcutta to Delhi. As it was not lawful to remove any of the regalia from England, it was decided that a new crown should be created for the occasion. This was designed for Garrards in March, and the crown was completed in October. One of the directors of Garrards then accompanied the royal party to Delhi. Despite the intense heat, King George V and Queen Mary wore full Coronation robes at the ceremony, together with the new crown. The King later wrote in his diary 'Rather tired after wearing the Crown for 3 1/2 hours, it hurt my head, as it is pretty heavy...'. On the return to England, the crown was added to the regalia in the Tower of London.