Card of the Day: The Royal Orbs

The Sovereign's Orb is depicted at the bottom.

Here’s some more of the Coronation Regalia as depicted by the Churchman Cigarette Company’s 1935 Silver Jubilee series of cards. This card depicts the two orbs in the Crown Jewels of Britain.


Of the two orbs, the most famous and frequently used is the one known as The Sovereign's Orb, which was made by Sir Robert Vyner for King Charles II. It is distinctive for the large amethyst, which is cut in facets which supports the cross patée. Six inches in diameter, it is outlined by fine pearls and sparkling gems set in borders of white and red enamel. The adornment includes large rubies, sapphires, and emeralds alternately, each surrounded by diamonds.

The Sovereign's Orb as it is today.
Crown Copyright
Image Courtesy of the Official Web Site of the British Monarchy

The cross above the large amethyst is punctuated in the center on one side by an emerald, and on the other a sapphire and is outlined by rows of diamonds. Three large diamonds dot the each arm. Between the base of the cross and the amethyst, a collar of small diamonds has been set and at the end of each of the upper arms of the cross, a large pearl has been placed.

The Orb is a religious symbol representing the Monarch's role as Defender of the Faith and as Supreme Governor of the Church of England. As part of the Coronation Ceremony, the Archbishop of Canterbury places the Orb in the Monarch's right hand. Later, the Orb is then placed on the altar, where it remains throughout the conclusion of the Coronation. At the end of the ceremony, the Monarch holds the Orb in the left hand, with the Sceptre with the Cross in the right hand, and the Imperial State Crown upon his or her head.

H.M. Queen Elizabeth II upon her Coronation in 1953.
She holds the Sovereign's Orb, the Sceptre with the Cross and wears
the Imperial State Crown.
Crown Copyright
Image Courtesy of the British Monarchy.