The Queen was deliberately 'de-blinged' for her latest coin portrait after she had her diamond-encrusted necklace removed, it has been revealed.

Jody Clark, 36, has revealed the secret omission from his design that appears on every British coin minted since 2015.

His original portrait was eventually approved by the Queen and Mint officials - but not before the Coronation necklace was removed from around her neck.

When the suggestion of a new portrait was suggested for 2015, Jody submitted his own drawing and was amazed when he was told his version had been chosen.

His original design included her crown, pearl drop earrings and Victorian necklace worn for official state functions. But he was told to axe the necklace from his final design. He revealed: 'Igot to dress her up in what I thought would work best.

I researched what she wears and when she wears it and decided to go for the crown she generally wears to state openings and state visits, as I thought that was quite appropriate.

The necklace first worn by Queen Victoria contains 26 giant diamonds set in silver, gold and platinum.

Queen Elizabeth II received the coronation necklace when she came to the throne and can be seen in photos adorned with the 11.25 carat jewels on her neck.

The 26th diamond sits on a pedant suspended from the necklace and is 22.48 carats.

Jody, who is the youngest ever to design the effigy, won a competition just one year after starting work at the Royal Mint.

To read the complete article, see:
Royal Mint designer reveals he was told to 'de-bling' the Queen by removing herdiamond encrusted necklace from latest coin portrait (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4792580/Royal-Mint-bling-Queen-latest-pound-design.html)

To read the earlier E-Sylum, see:
ARTICLE PROFILES JODY CLARK OF ROYAL MINT (http://www.coinbooks.org/v20/esylum_v20n33a15.html)