2020-05-13 Wed

The Royal Canadian Mint has released silver crafted coins that recreate a particular piece of jewellery which is one of the Queen’s most personally admired and recognised. The Aquamarine Tiara has been a part of Queen Elizabeth II’s own collection since her coronation in 1953. It was gifted by the president and the people of Brazil to the new British sovereign.

The set was crafted by Rio de Janeiro’s branch of the British company Mappin & Webb, which consisted of a necklace and matching pendant earrings comprised of multiple oblong Brazilian aquamarines set with diamonds in platinum. The necklace contained nine large, oblong aquamarine stones with a larger drop pendant. In 1957 a tiara initially consisting of a bandeau with three upright aquamarines was made to complete the set. When first made, the tiara had three upright rectangular stones which could be detached and worn as brooches or mounted on a simple platinum band. A bracelet and a brooch were added the next year. Later, in 1971, it was augmented to its present form consisting of four scroll ornaments with an aquamarine stone set in the centre.

As a shimmering new tribute to the Canadian monarch, the $20 fine silver coin features rhodium plating. It is enhanced with Swarovski crystals and aquamarine-coloured stones to colourfully capture the headpiece’s regal splendour. The Royal Canadian Mint has also issued a very low mintage 99.99% pure gold version of this coin.

Image Courtesy: westedmontoncoinandstamp.com and news.coinsupdate.com