Coronation Jewels 101: What Is a Coronation Ring?

On the day of King Charles III’s coronation, amidst the grandeur of royal regalia, one jewel will stand out for its subtlety and profound meaning: the Coronation Ring, also known as the Sovereign’s Ring. While his coronation ensemble will feature showstoppers like St. Edward’s Crown, the Imperial State Crown, and the Sovereign’s Scepter and Orb, this ring, slipped onto his right hand by the Archbishop of Canterbury, carries a timeless symbolic weight.

King George VI, Charles’s grandfather, in his coronation regalia, including the Sovereign’s Ring.

The Coronation Ring has been a key part of the British monarchy’s traditions since the 19th century, tracing back to King William IV’s coronation in 1831. Crafted by the renowned goldsmiths of Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, this masterpiece features a sapphire at its center, overlaid with rubies in the shape of a cross—an homage to the flag of Great Britain—encircled by diamonds. This particular ring has been worn by every British monarch from King Edward VII to Queen Elizabeth II, making it a crucial link between past and present.

For King Charles, the ring represents more than just tradition. Known as the “Wedding Ring of England,” it is a symbol of his commitment to the Commonwealth and the people he serves, reinforcing his vows to lead with dignity and devotion. It is a physical manifestation of the monarch’s duty, forged not just in jewels but in the weight of history and faith.

This tradition of the Coronation Ring dates back even further, at least to the 13th century, and each time it has been presented to a new sovereign, it has symbolized a renewal of the royal covenant. During Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, the Archbishop’s words captured this sentiment perfectly: “Receive the ring of kingly dignity and the seal of Catholic faith… so may you continue steadfastly as the defender of Christ’s religion, that being rich in faith, and blessed in all good works, you may reign with Him who is the King of Kings.”

Queen Elizabeth on her coronation day.

As the moment approaches, King Charles is reported to be taking precautions to avoid an uncomfortable misstep that Queen Victoria experienced during her own coronation. Her ring was crafted too small for her fourth finger, causing such pain that she struggled to remove it later. Charles, mindful of this, is making efforts to ensure a perfect fit—because on this day of all days, every detail must align with the grandeur of the occasion.

From left: Queen Adelaide’s consort Coronation Ring, Queen Victoria’s Coronation Ring, and King William IV’s Coronation Ring.

Queen Camilla will also join in this tradition, wearing her consort’s ring, which originally belonged to Queen Adelaide, the wife of William IV. Passed down through generations of royal consorts, this large ruby surrounded by diamonds pairs perfectly with the other royal jewels, completing the legacy that now rests on King Charles III’s shoulders.

In the end, the Coronation Ring is more than a piece of jewelry; it is an emblem of continuity, duty, and the enduring bond between sovereign and subject. On coronation day, it will serve as a reminder of the eternal responsibilities carried by the British monarch.