The diadem is formed from a gold circlet, rising to a peak at the front, with a border of pearls, above foliated scrolls of rose-cut quartz crystal clusters and rosettes, mounted with gold wire. The diadem is fitted with a purple velvet cap and ermine band. The quartz crystals replace the diamonds which were originally hired for the coronation of 1685. The tradition for queen-consorts to wear diadems or circlets for coronations dates back to the fourteenth century. As Charles II was unmarried at the time of his coronation, this diadem was the first to be made after the Interregnum. It was ordered and executed only six weeks before the ceremony and delivered on 22 April, the day before the coronation. Mary II wore her step-mother's diadem in the coronation procession of 11 April 1689, and it was worn again by Queen Anne in 1702. It may also have been worn by George II's consort, Queen Caroline, in 1727 although it is difficult to confirm this from contemporary accounts. By the time of George III's coronation in 1760 Queen Charlotte was provided with her own nuptual crown and the diadem does not appear to have been used again.