Imagine holding the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross. It holds the Cullinan I diamond. It weighs over 530 carats.
Welcome to the Tower of London home to the Crown Jewels. These jewels hold immense historical and cultural importance. They embody the power and tradition of the British monarchy.
The Crown Jewels include royal ceremonial objects. They are kept in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. The collection includes coronation regalia and vestments. British monarchs wear them. The coronation regalia are the only working set in Europe. The collection is the most historically complete of any royal regalia in the world. Objects denote the monarch’s roles. These roles include head of state head of the Church of England and head of the British armed forces. The regalia feature heraldic devices. They also feature national emblems. These represent England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland and other Commonwealth countries.
The use of regalia by monarchs dates back centuries. It began when the country converted to Christianity. After Edward the Confessor was made a saint a permanent set of coronation regalia was established. The sacred relics were kept at Westminster Abbey. Monarchs wore another set of regalia. They wore it at religious feasts and State Openings of Parliament. Collectively these objects became known as the Jewels of the Crown.
Most of the Crown Jewels date from around 1660. This was when Charles II ascended the throne. The medieval and Tudor regalia had been sold or melted down. This happened after the monarchy was abolished in 1649 during the English Civil War. Only four original items predate the Restoration. These include a late 12th-century anointing spoon. It is the oldest object. Three early 17th-century swords also remain. The regalia continued to be used by British monarchs. This use continued after the kingdoms of England and Scotland united in 1707.
The Crown Jewels contain around 23578 gemstones. Among them is Cullinan I. It is the largest clear cut diamond in the world. It is set in the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross. The diamond was cut from the Cullinan. The Cullinan was the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found. It was discovered in South Africa in 1905. It was presented to Edward VII. The Imperial State Crown holds Cullinan II. It also holds the Stuart Sapphire St Edward’s Sapphire and the Black Prince’s Ruby. The Koh-i-Noor diamond was acquired by Queen Victoria. It has featured on three consort crowns. Some disused objects are empty. Others are set with glass and crystal replicas.
At a coronation the monarch is anointed. Holy oil is poured from an ampulla into the spoon. The monarch is invested with robes and ornaments. They are crowned with St Edward’s Crown. Afterward the monarch exchanges it for the Imperial State Crown. This lighter crown is worn at State Openings of Parliament. Wives of kings are known as queens consort. They are invested with a plainer set of regalia. State swords trumpets ceremonial maces and church plate are also crown jewels. They are part of the Royal Collection. They belong to the institution of monarchy. They pass from one sovereign to the next.
The Crown Jewels have been on public display since 1669. Today they are seen by 2.5 million visitors every year. Imagine the stories these jewels could tell if they could talk. Their presence has marked the coronations of kings and queens of England and the UK. They have been witness to pivotal moments in history. They continue to inspire awe and fascination.