A rare look at Kelantan’s century-old royal crown

For over a century, Kelantan's royal crown has remained hidden from public view, appearing only on special occasions. Now, visitors at the Kelantan Heritage Weapons Festival at Istana Balai Besar have the unique opportunity to see it up close for the first time. First used during Sultan Ismail's coronation in 1921, the crown holds great significance as it was crafted by a local Malay artisan, unlike most crowns commissioned from England.

The uniqueness of the crown lies in its creation by a Kelantanese artisan believed to have come from Kampung Kubang Pasu.

The original crown was made from 16 ten-carat gold nuggets and featured young dala leaf motifs, a crescent, and five-pointed star set against royal blue velvet. Over time, additional diamonds and emeralds were incorporated during the reigns of Sultan Yahya Petra and Sultan Ismail Petra, transforming the crown into a grander piece.

Trimmed with ermine fur, the crown remains the sole artifact of its kind, proudly displayed during the sultan's birthday celebrations. Its stand is made from 999 pure gold and weighs nearly 1kg, although the crown's value remains undisclosed. As the centerpiece of this year's festival, the crown offers visitors a rare glimpse into Kelantan's rich heritage and the evolution of royal regalia.