Sceptre's

These Sceptre's are examples of different powerful tools, used during a coronation of a king or queen. They are specifically made for this ceremony. These examples have gemstones, a bird (dove) and a statue of a great king. Watch the video to see images of each scepter and the Cullinan Diamond. 
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  How will they inspire you on your spiritual path? Are you think of creating sacred objects for yourself? Do you have a favorite sacred object? Let me know! 

Sceptre - ornamental rod or staff borne by rulers on ceremonial occasion as an emblem of authority and sovereignty. The primeval symbol of the staff was familiar to the Greeks and Romans and to the Germanic tribes.  There were the old man’s staff, the messengers wand, the shepards crook -  pope, bishops etc.

The Carolinians first used a long staff, imitating the short Roman one. Then, from the 10th century, two staffs were used to consecrate a European king. The only country to retain two staffs is England, where the two became alike in length but were distinguished in being surmounted respectively be a cross and a dove ( Sovereign’s Sceptre with Dove)  - both sceptre’s are a part of the British monarchy’s coronation regalia. 

Sovereign’s Septre of the Cross 

The Sovereign’s Scepter of the Cross is part of the British Crown Jewels created in 1661 for King Charles II by royal goldsmith Sir Robert Veneer for his coronation, replacing a medieval scepter.  The original Crown Jewels were destroyed during the Commonwealth period of Oliver Cromwell. 

The Scepter of the Cross represents the sovereigns temporal power and their role as head of the state with the cross atop symbolizing the divine right of kings.  The Septre highlights the monarchs role as Head of Church of England. It serves as a reminder to rule on the Creator's behalf. 

The Sceptre of the Cross comprises a gold rod, formed in three sections,  with enameled collars at the intersections. surmounted by an enameled heart shaped structure, which holds a huge drop shaped diamond. Cullinan I, or the Star of Africa. This structure is surmounted by enameled brackets mounted with step cut emeralds, and by a faceted amethyst, set with table and rose cut diamonds, rubies, spinels and emeralds, with a cross above set with diamonds, a table cut diamond on the front, and an emerald on the reverse. Beneath the Cullinan I diamond are further enameled brackets, mounted with rubies and diamonds. The pommel of the scepter is enameled and mounted with rubies, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds.   

The scepter is 3ft long, weighs about 2.6lbs. 
In total - 333 diamonds
31 rubies vitality & independence
15 emeralds Pure Love stone
7 sapphires - self confidence
6 spinels - Inspiration
1 composite amethyst orb.  - Spiritual Stone

Cullinan I diamond (Great Star of Africa)- Also known as the ‘Great Star of Africa’ is the worlds colorless cut diamond at 530.2 carats. It’s set in the sovereigns Scepter with Cross - it is on display at the Tower of London.

History - Discovery of 1905 at the Premier mine in S. Africa. It was named after the mines discoverer, Sir Thomas Cullinan.  

Cutting - It took eight months for three men to cut and polish the diamond into nine large stones, numbered I-IX  
Characteristics - Its a pendeloque cut brilliant with 74 facets and a few tiny cleavages
Value - estimated at 430 million

1905: The Cullinan Diamond is discovered in S. Africa
1907 As a gesture to mend relation after the Boer war, the Cullinan Diamond is gifted to King Edward VII
1910: The setting is dramatically redesigned to incorporate the Cullinan I diamond
1911: The setter is officially remounted with the Cullinan I diamond by the crown jeweler Garrard 
2023 The setter is used in the coronation of king Charles
Royal Collections Trust - website 

The Sceptre with Dove 

The Scepter with Dove represents the sovereign’s spiritual role, with the dove representing the Holy Spirit. Traditionally it has been known as ‘the rod of Equity and Mercy’.  This sceptre 3 ft 6inches. This scepter is decorated with 285 gemstones, including 94 diamonds, 53 Rubies, 10 emeralds, 4 sapphires and 3 spinels. Circling the rod are bands of precious stones. At the top is set with diamonds and topped by a plain cross, upon the cross sits an enameled dove with its wings spread, representing the Holy Spirit. 

Medieval period (9th-12th centuries) Early coronation forms mention two rods or scepters used in English coronations

1198: The use of the two distinct scepters, tipped with a cross and the other with a dove, is first recorded at the coronation of Richard I 
1066 onward - The tradition of using a sceptre to symbolize the monarchs pastoral and spiritual care for his people is documented as far back as the coronation of William the Conqueror
1649 The original medieval coronation regalia including the earlier version of the scepter was destroyed during the English Civil War
Current Scepter
1661: The current Sovereigns Scepter with Dove was created by royal goldsmith Robert Veneer for Charles II coronation after the restoration of the monarchy.  This scepter is also known as the ‘Rod of Equity and Mercy’
1685: A separate ivory scepter with a dove was created for the coronation of Mary of Moderna, the first queen consort to be crowned since the restoration. This scepter is used for subsequent queen consorts
The Scepter with Cross is held in the right hand and the Scepter with Dove is held with Dove held in the left. 
Royal Collections Trust - Website 

Scepter of Charles V (France)

Sceptre of Charles V (French): A significant piece of French regalia from the 14th century, it was donated by Charles V to the abbey of Saint-Denis and used in nearly all French coronations. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scepter_of_Charles_V

The Scepter of Charles V or Scepter of Charlemagne is one of the most prominent preserved regalia of the Kingdom of France. It was donated by Charles V to the abbey of Saint- Denis on 7 May 1380, before his death. It was used for the coronation of nearly all monarchs of France until Charles X. It is kept at the Louvre since 5 December 1793. 

The Scepter consists of four elements, a shaft, a bulb, a flour de lis, and a seated figure of Charlemagne on the top. The bulb is decorated with three scenes from the Legend of Charlemagne: Saint James appearing to Charlemagne and commanding him, to go and save Spain. The Miraculous blossoming of spears of those going off to die in battle and Saint James wrenching of Charlemagne’s soul from the Devil. 

Charlemagne is holding a scepter and globe. The Scepter at this time measured 3 ft 9 inches, weighed 2.2 KG, the shaft engraved with rosette and fluer de lis screwed together on five pieces. 

Hennequin Du Vivier, goldsmith created the scepter to bolster the legitimacy of Charles V and his family by emphasizing their Carolingian lineage. 

Timeline
1364 The scepter was created and first used for the coronation of Charles V 
1380 Charles V’s inventory mentions the scepter, he also bequeathed it to his son, Charles VI, and it was returned to the Abbey of Saint - Denis 
1722 The scepter was broken and then urgently repaired for the coronation of Louis XV at Reims 
During the French revolution the Scepter was removed from the Abbey of Saint Denis and later became part of the French royal treasure, eventually transferred to the Louvre Museum.

What do you think? Let your imagination go wild! I hope this information helps you have fun with creating something for yourself! 
Have a beautiful week! Stay Safe! Keep your heart open and aligned with the energy of Love! 
​Auriel Grace