What’s In the Crown Jewels Collection?

With the recent birth of His Royal Highness Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge, it made us start thinking about the Crown Jewels. It may be impossible to put a price on these jewels kept safe in the Tower of London since 1303 A.D., but our friends “over the pond” do have one impressive collection. So what can one find when visiting London and the famously guarded Tower?

Queen Victoria’s Crown

Surprisingly simple, Queen Victoria (reign 1837-1901) wore this crown quite often—almost every day. It may appear simple compared to the Imperial Crown; however, it does contain over 1300 diamonds and was made in 1870.

The Imperial State Crown

This is the official crown and is 12.5-inches high and weighs approximately two pounds. It contains over 3,000 precious stones and includes the 317-carat Cullinan II diamond.

St. Edward’s Crown

Refurbished for Charles II’s coronation (reign 1630-1685), it is believed the gold in this crown came from Edward the Confessor’s (reign 1042-1066) crown.

The Royal Orb

The Royal Orb is made from unmarked gold and includes over 600 precious stones and pearls. Only the sovereign is allowed hold the orb, usually in the lap. The Royal Orb weighs in at almost three pounds. It was made in 1661 for the coronation of Charles II.

The Sovereign’s Scepter 

Also known in English tongue as the Sovereign’s Sceptre, this crown jewel dates back to 1661 and signifies temporal power. The scepter is 32.3 inches in length and it is graced with the 530-carat Cullinan I diamond.

The Cullinan I Diamond

Contained within the Sovereign’s Scepter is the 530-carat Cullinan Diamond and it’s something to see. It is the largest to-quality cut diamond in the world.

The Koh-i-Noor Diamond

This is the largest stone in the crown and was worn by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Koh-i-Noor means Mountain of Light. Below the diamond is a picture of the Queen Mother’s Crown.

Who Guards the Crown Jewels?

According to the Official Website of the British Monarchy, the Crown Jewels are held in trust by the Queen as Sovereign for her successors and the Nation.

The collection is the responsibility of the Royal Collection Department established in 1987. Beyond the pieces you see here, the Crown Jewels Collection includes many items including paintings, drawings, furniture, ceramics, clocks, silver sculpture, jewelry, books and manuscripts, prints and maps, arms and armor, and textiles. The restoration project of these items began in 1660 and continues today.

The Collection is also guarded outdoors by the Tower of London’s Yeomen Warders aka Beefeaters. Quite the feat since the Collection has approximately 15,000 visitors per day!

Some items one can see in the Tower of London include items belonging to Henry VIII, Charles I, George III, George IV, Queen Victoria, Price Albert, and Queen Mary. The entire collection contains over 3,000 pieces and exhibits are rearranged seasonally.

Peter Suchy Jewelers is located on 1137 High Ridge Road in Stamford Connecticut and although we don’t have any “crown jewels” we do carry many estate and vintage pieces so we hope you’ll stop by our showroom.

Or, if you love shopping for jewelry online, head on over to our eBay store. We invite you to like us on Facebook and check out our amazing Pinterest Boards.

Cheerio!