The sceptre is formed from a plain gold rod, in three sections, with enamelled and gem-set collars at the intersections, surmounted by a gold monde, with an applied silver zone and arc set with rose diamonds, and a gold cross supporting an enamelled dove with outspread wings. The collars are mounted variously with rose- and table-cut diamonds, step- and table-cut rubies, emeralds, sapphires and spinels. At the base of the sceptre is a compressed spherical pommel set with further rose-cut diamonds.

The sceptre represents the sovereign's spiritual role, with the dove representing the Holy Ghost. Traditionally it has been known as 'the Rod of Equity and Mercy'. At the coronation of William I (the Conqueror) in 1066, this role was emphasised in a contemporary description: 'For by the sceptre uprisings in the kingdom are controlled and the rod gathers and confines those men that stray'. The monarch's pastoral care of his people is therefore bound up with this sceptre or rod.

During the coronation service the new sovereign is first anointed with holy oil, then robed in coronation robes, and then invested with a number of ornaments symbolising the chivalric and spiritual nature of kingship. These include the spurs, swords and armills, followed by the orb, a ring and then the sceptres. The sovereign is presented with two sceptres - one surmounted by a cross representing temporal power and this one surmounted by a dove. After the investiture the sovereign is then crowned.