The issue of the Princely-Saxon House Order of Ernestine had the regular decorations for citizens but also a special design for foreigners. The difference is made visible by the missing oak leaf wreath that surrounds the blue medallion ring. This special issue was awarded for a short time and in a few cases only. The decoration for foreigners is due to the rarity of this order. See displayed on the left side a regular decoration and on the right side the rare decoration for foreigners:

A very rare decoration also is the following. The breast star of the Ernestine House order with swords and diamonds for sovereigns:

This star is made by the official jewelers Bury & Leonhardt in Hanau in the special diamond cut of the star rays for sovereigns with encrusted with actual diamonds. The swords are for bravery in war and are also a sign for the time the star was made, the 1st world war. The breast star is made from gold, silver and approximate 5 Kt of diamonds.

H. Schulze's Supplement Volume on Orders and Medals from 1853 shows the variations in Plate XXXV nicely:

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