Crown and Scepter
In 2000, the Derby Festival Queen received a newly designed and created crown and scepter to wear at the many Festival events attended by the Queen and her Royal Court.
Todd Merkley (with Merkley Jewelers) was commissioned to design and create the new crown in 2000 and Seng Jewelers designed and created the new royal scepter. The Festival Queen will first don the regalia at her coronation each April at the Fillies Ball in the Grand Ballroom of the Galt House East, along with the red velvet robe worn since 1974.
The new crown includes detailed images of a jockey's helmet, horseshoes, trumpets, a paddlewheel, balloon and fleur-de-lis. White and yellow gold and sterling silver was used in the design, with clouds represented by real pearls and an emerald for the eye of the Pegasus.
The royal scepter bares little resemblance to the retired model, which was more like costume jewelry. The center portion of the staff is shaped like a julep cup and features three images: the Fillies' crest, etched in silver; a fleur-de-lis in gold color; and the Derby Festival corporate logo in color. The lower portion includes two perpendicular horseshoes on the base.
The royal regalia will receives national exposure each Spring when worn by the Queen during an appearance on NBC's Today show, which is broadcast live from the Winner's Circle at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day. The retired crown and scepter are now part of a permanent Derby Festival exhibit at the newly renovated Kentucky Derby Museum.
