[MR] Why new crowns?

[Jennifer Thies]

Greetings Good Gentles,

I would like to take this time to reinforce Lady Luce's words regarding 
the need for new Crowns with my own justifications, being that it is my 
job to care for these treasures when not in use.

The Sea Shell crowns are the current set of most commonly used crowns. 
At this time they are the only set that come with matching Prince and 
Princess coronets as well.  They are quickly approaching fulfilling a 
full decade of almost constant use.  They are so heavy, being thick 
solid silver, that many an Atlantian Royal Peer has dents in their 
foreheads to remind them of their time on the Atlantian thrones.  They 
have also been known to cause migraines.  While they are gorgeous in 
execution, lovely in design, they bring a new and different meaning to 
the term "burden of the Crown."  They are also prone to tarnish and 
fingerprints, as well as have suffered from loose and lost stones from 
time to time.  They have served Atlantia well, but it is time for 
another alternative.

The Sea Horse crowns, commonly known as the Sea World crowns (a term I 
will refrain from using), haven't been worn much since the Sea Shell 
crowns were created.  They required and still require extensive 
cleaning.  The previous treatment of these crowns resulted in Master 
Alan having to take out some dents before use at the Coronation of Janos 
and Rachel.  They do have an odd balance to them as previously 
mentioned.  They also have an aesthetic that does not appeal to 
everyone, which means that only certain Kings and Queens have worn them 
from time to time.  They are however the lightest set in weight that the 
Kingdom has.

The Ancient and Venerable crowns, oldest set with green jade stones, 
have just recently been returned to a serviceable condition with great 
thanks to Lord Aldred Blackwood's donation of time for repairs and 
cleaning.  They are the most period looking crowns, in my opinion, but 
they do not have any particularly Atlantian specific design elements to 
them.  The are also relatively fragile due to their age, and somewhat to 
their construction.  They are also the smallest set of crowns that we 
have, making them more comfortable for some Queens, but practically 
unwearable for some Kings.

While there may be no such thing as the ideal set of crowns, I think we 
owe it to our Kings and Queens to try.  As said the new crowns should 
ideally be relatively lightweight but durable, Atlantian in theme 
without frightening children, come with some different sizing options, 
be relatively easy to clean and maintain (my criteria), and in a period 
style.

The New Regalia Committee has taken on an unenviable job.  I have great 
faith that they have covered most of the angles.  I thank them for 
following through on Cuan and Padraiga's and Ragnarr and Kyneburh's 
wishes regarding the bid process and acquisition of new crowns for our 
Royalty.  We owe it to Atlantia's Royalty, but also to her populace, to 
let the majesty of Atlantia be represented by the crowns worn by her 
King and Queen.  A heavy crown that spends more time on a table does not 
exalt Her glory.  Nor do older and worn crowns proclaim to the Known 
World the excellence of this realm.  Question the New Regalia Committee 
as you wish, but know that their mission is a good one.

My thanks for your time,
Mistress Genevieve d'Aquitaine
Atlantian Chamberlain



egeorges wrote:

> More than one person has expressed a wish for clarification on this issue,
> so I'll try to address it.
>