Crown of Louis XV of France
The royal crown of Louis XV. of France was not melted down during the French Revolution, like other crowns or sold, only deprived of their diamonds, precious stones and pearls. These were later replaced by simili.
Description
The gold-plated silver band was at the top and bottom rows of pearls. At the ripe sat 32 smaller and larger diamonds and colored gemstones that were square, heart-shaped or teardrop shaped. The gold versions were decorated baroque. The hoop carries on the top eight golden lilies and between eight smaller semi-circular flowers. The flowers were occupied by three large colored gemstones and three smaller diamonds. The lilies wore at neck over the hoop an elliptical diamond, on which stood a small pear-shaped diamond. The three flowers of lilies each wore large diamonds, the two sides had diamond roses and the top sheet a square stone panel. The approach of the lily on the front wore the Regent at their use. The eight bracket each contributed seven large gold set stones that were either surrounded by smaller diamonds or of baroque gold filigree. The brackets swing in the semicircle and meet at the apex, where they form a cylindrical tower. Between the ends of Kronbügel sit again gemstones. The edge of the flat cylinder is decorated with three rows of small diamonds. Above it rises a tuft lilies whose leaves consist of nine large diamonds. The stone at the top is the Sancy. The half-height Kronhaube was made of red damask and covered with precious stones. The diameter of the crown is 19 cm and height 24 cm.
History
The goldsmith Augustin Duflos made the crown designed by the court jeweler Laurent Ronde and his son Claude in 1722. The crown was in the same year of Louis XV. worn for the coronation. The carcass with gem imitations stands today in the Apollo Gallery of the Louvre, Paris. The crown was also of Louis XVI. and of Louis XVIII. worn for the coronation - which is most important, because every French King his own crown ( sometimes several ) has let make. It is the only royal crown which has survived the French Revolution.