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Golden spurs and diamond sceptres: How much did King Charles's coronation cost and which royal jewels were featured?

The cost of King Charles's lavish coronation has been called into question as the UK faces a cost-of-living crisis.  (Reuters: Victoria Jones/Ben Stansall/Gareth Cattermole)

It was an event that promised to display the pomp and ceremony that we've come to expect with the British monarchy – and the royals delivered.

The coronation of King Charles III took place in Westminster Abbey on Saturday night Australian time, with the ceremony draped in gold and jewels.

While some revelled in the pageantry, anti-monarchists have pushed back on the mysterious cost of the elaborate event.

How much did King Charles III's coronation cost?

We don't exactly know yet, but it's been reported the price tag for the three day event could top 100 million pounds ($AUD186 million).

The palace and the UK government have both kept extremely tight-lipped on the total cost of the lavish affair, with an official saying that some estimates were "more fanciful than others" and that the true cost would be shared later.

The celebration comes as the UK weathers a bruising cost-of-living crisis that has left many people struggling to heat their homes this winter and put food on their tables.

Who paid for King Charles III's coronation?

The coronation was an official state event which means that the taxpaying public will foot the bill.

Which crown jewels were used during King Charles III's coronation?

A huge amount of crown jewels were used during the ceremony – including several pieces that are only seen during coronations.

St Edwards Crown

This 2.2kg monster was the first crown placed on King Charles's head during the coronation.

Caked in rubies, amethysts, sapphires and set in a sold gold frame, the crown was made for King Charles II's coronation in 1661 and worn by Queen Elizabeth during her coronation in 1953.

The Prince of Wales touches St Edward's Crown on King Charles III's head during his coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey,. (Reuters: Yui Mok)
Imperial State Crown

When King Charles dipped out for a moment at the tail end of the coronation he was, in part, swapping St Edward's crown for the Imperial State Crown.

Weighing in at a modest 1kg, what it lacks in heft it makes up for in jewels containing over 2,800 diamonds including the 105-carat Cullinan II.

The crown also features the large "Black Prince's Ruby", along with 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 269 pearls, including some of which are said to have been bought as earrings by Tudor monarch Queen Elizabeth I.

Queen Mary's Crown

This was the headgear that Queen Camilla selected for the coronation.

It gives the Imperial State Crown a run for it's money with over 2,200 diamonds embedded into it including the rest of the Cullinan family - III, IV and V.

Charles wearing the Imperial State Crown post-coronation ceremony with Camilla wearing Queen Mary's Crown. (Reuters: Yui Mok)
Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross

If you were wondering where the Cullinan II's big sibling is, it's encrusted in this long, gold rod that was placed in King Charles's hand by the Archbishop of Canterbury during the coronation.

The Cullinan I diamond, also known as the Star of Africa, which weighs in at 530 carats and is the world's largest colourless cut diamond, was set in the bejewelled golden sceptre which has been used in every coronation since 1661.

Sovereign Sceptre with Dove

This was the other gold rod handed to King Charles during the coronation, this one representing the sovereign's spiritual role.

And while it doesn't contain a 500-carat diamond, it is encased in smaller diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and on top sits a golden dove with outspread wings.

King Charles held the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross in his right hand and the Sovereign Spector with Dove in his left during his coronation. (Reuters: Aaron Chown)
Sovereign's Orb

This golden orb is supposed to represent the Sovereign's power and was placed in King Charles' right hand during the coronation.

It's 1.3kg of gold, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, pearls and diamonds.

King Charles holds the Sovereign's Orb in his left hand and the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross. (Reuters: Ben Stansall)
Coronation Spoon & Ampulla

These are the oldest pieces in the coronation regalia – dating all the way back to the 12th century.

They're both made of gold with the spoon set with pearls. They're used to anoint the new monarch with oil, but you wouldn't have seen them because the anointing took place behind an ornate privacy screen.

The anointing is hidden because it represents the moment of direct connection between the monarch and God.

The Spurs

These gold and velvet ankle spurs represent the monarch's connection to knighthood and were presented to King Charles by Lord Great Chamberlain Rupert Carington.

Traditionally the spurs were fastened to the sovereign's feet, but since the Restoration they have simply been held to the ankles of kings (Reuters: Gareth Cattermole)
Coronation Ring

The coronation ring, known as "The Wedding Ring of England" and composed of a sapphire with a ruby cross set in diamonds, was made for the coronation of King William IV in 1831. Worn at every coronation since then, it symbolises kingly dignity.

The coronation ring is also known as the 'wedding ring of England'. (Reuters: Gareth Cattermole)
Swords

There were a number of swords included in the coronation.

Including the incredibly intimidating Sword of State which was carried by Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt.

Also featured was the Sword of Temporal Justice, the Sword of Spiritual Justice and the Sword of Mercy, which were first used in the coronation of Charles I in 1626.

The bejewelled Sword of Offering, made for the coronation of George IV in 1821, will be presented to Charles, with the message it is a symbol not of might or violence but for the protection of good.

Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt, carrying the Sword of State, in the procession through Westminster Abbey (Reuters: Victoria Jones)
Maces

Two maces, made of silver gilt over oak and dating from between 1660 and 1695, were also visible. These are the ceremonial emblems of authority which are carried before the sovereign at events such as the State Opening of Parliament.

Bracelets

You might have seen two gold bracelets – officially known as armills – placed on King Charles's wrists.

They are thought to relate to ancient symbols of knighthood and military leadership.

They date back to 1661 and have been used at every coronation from King Charles II's until King George VI's in 1937, with new armills specially prepared for Queen Elizabeth in 1953.

The royal armills are lined with red velvet. (Reuters: Gareth Cattermole)

How much are the crown jewels worth?

Priceless, according to the official royal website.

Due to the extreme unlikeliness that the jewels will ever be sold, there is no official estimate for how much the collection is worth — although some jewel experts place the total value at up to $8 billion.

ABC/Reuters/AP

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