Lovisa Ulrika's Royal Crown

The Queens Crown is both a dazzling example of 18th century Swedish design and craftsmanship, and – in its own unique way – a work of political art.

Queen Lovisa Ulrika replaced the 40 largest diamonds with cut Swedish rock crystal. She then pawned the diamonds to fund the coup d'état that was being planned to strengthen the royal power.

The coup d'état failed, and the Queen had to retrieve the diamonds, now back on the crown, under somewhat awkward circumstances.

The crown can be seen at the Treasury at the Royal Palace of Stockholm, and the hat can be seen at the Royal Armoury.