Modern Version
The current Imperial State Crown was manufactured for the coronation of King George VI in 1937 by the Crown Jewellers Garrard & Co. It is an exact replica of the earlier Imperial State Crown (the illustration at right) manufactured for Queen Victoria, but is of a more lightweight design and more comfortable to wear. The same crown was remodelled for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation to give it slightly more feminine appearance and its total height lowered by about 1 inch (25 mm).
Because of its weight, monarchs often choose to wear the Imperial State Crown in their private apartments on and off for a couple of hours on the morning of the State Opening of Parliament so they can get used to the weight and feel comfortable with it on. One courtier reported on the morning of a State Opening witnessing Queen Elizabeth eating her breakfast and reading newspapers while wearing it.
As the most frequently worn royal crown, the Imperial State Crown has often been replaced, due to age, weight, the personal taste of the monarch, or the unavoidable damage that comes with use. It is also the crown that most often requires repair, which is normally done by the Crown Jeweller.
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