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1 of 253523 objects
Monde from the Crown of State 1685
Paste (glass), rock crystal, silver, gold, enamel | 8.5 cm (whole object) | RCIN 31711
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A monde (or globe) composed of a large paste (glass) aquamarine set in silver, parcel-gilt and mounted over a gold base with sea-green enamel decoration; the zone and arc are set with small rock crystals; surmounted by a silver cross-pattee, set with step-cut rock crystals. This great paste probably replaced the monde of Charles II's State Crown for the coronation of James II in 1685, although it is undocumented. It may have been a move inspired by economy on the part of the Crown Jeweller, Sir Robert Viner, anticipating that payment for the coronation expenses would be delayed. The paste remained in place on the State Crown, and subsequent crowns, until the coronation of George IV in 1821. It was sometimes mistaken for a large emerald or a real aquamarine which may explain how it survived for so long in place of a precious stone.
Provenance
Probably made for James II in 1685
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Medium and techniques
Paste (glass), rock crystal, silver, gold, enamel
Measurements
8.5 cm (whole object)
160.0 g (Weight) (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)