3-003-760 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Insignia of the Order of Knighthood the Star of India, 1861. '...her Majesty, being desirous of affording princes, chiefs, and people of her Indian empire a public testimony of her regard by the institution of an order of knighthood whereby her resolution to take on herself the government of the territories of India may be commemorated, and by which she may be enabled to reward conspicuous merit and loyalty, had instituted and constituted this order of the most exalted order of the Star of India...the insignia...has been designed and made by Messrs. Garrard, of the Haymarket...the collar is composed of the lotus (the sacred flower of India) and the heraldic rose of England, placed alternately and connected by palm-branches...emblematic of peace and concord. The central object is the Imperial crown of England...To the collar is attached a badge, consisting of a star of five points, and an oval medallion containing a portrait of the Queen in onyx cameo, encircled by the motto of the order, "Heaven's Light our Guide," in letters of gold on light blue enamel...The star of the order...is composed of wavy rays of gold issuing from a diamond star of five points, which is surrounded by a blue enamel ribbon bearing the motto, also in diamonds'. From "Illustrated London News", 1861.