A Wilkinson Sword for the Queen's Jubilee
By Gary Roskin, G.G., FGA, Senior Editor -- JCK-Jewelers Circular Keystone, 5/1/2002
Royal swordmaker Wilkinson Sword has unveiled a spectacular sword specially commissioned to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
The hilt incorporates natural rock crystal quartz and 18k yellow gold encrusted with 8 cts. t.w. of pavé-set diamonds, 6 cts. of rubies, and a top cabochon of lapis lazuli.
The 24-in. blade is etched with a pattern depicting the four national flowers of the British Isles—roses, thistles, daffodils and shamrocks—in a floral filigree.
The sword is sheathed in a white leather scabbard with solid gold equestrian carvings (the Queen loves horses) and enameled channels of gold down the length of the scabbard. The red, white, and blue colors represent the British flag.
Wilkinson Sword is the holder of the Royal Warrant as sword or gun manufacturers to the sovereign since 1804. This is the third sword that the company has created to mark the reign of Queen Elizabeth II; the other two were for her Silver Jubilee and the 25th anniversary of her coronation.
The Golden Jubilee handcrafted sword was the result of a competition among teaching staff at the Sir John Cass Centre for Silversmithing and Jewellery in London's Guildhall University. Award-winning jewelry designer Robin Kyte, who has been teaching since 1973, won the competition.
