THE BEAUTY AND HISTORY OF THE CROWN JEWELS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

For centuries, the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom have been a source of pride for the British Royal Family. These unique gems have a storied history that has been handed down from generation to generation and adds to their value with each passing year. Here is a look at some of the most famous pieces from the collection.

ST. EDWARD’S CROWN

The most iconic of the crown jewels, the St. Edward’s crown of today is actually a replica of the original piece. Thought to have belonged to St. Edward the Confessor in the 11th century, the original crown was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell in 1649 during the English Civil War. King Charles II ordered the current crown for his coronation in 1661, and modeled it based on the original.

St. Edward’s crown is only used during the coronation ceremony of new monarchs because it is considered a holy relic. It’s set with topaz, rubies, sapphires, tourmalines, and aquamarines, among other gems, and weighs nearly 5 pounds.

THE IMPERIAL STATE CROWN

Made for King George VI in 1937, this crown is worn after the coronation ceremony. It is topped with 4 arches — a symbol of sovereignty, and the distinguishing feature from a “great crown,” which is open and topped with crosses and fleurs-de-lis.

The Imperial State Crown contains more than 3,000 gemstones, including pearls, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Most notably, it is home to the Second Star of Africa, the second-largest flawless diamond ever to be cut, as well as St. Edward’s Sapphire, the Black Prince’s Ruby, and the Stuart Sapphire.


THE CROWN OF THE QUEEN MOTHER

This crown is most famous for the legendary diamond it houses. The Koh-I-Noor diamond also known as The Mountain of Light was presented to Queen Victoria in 1850 and weighs in at 105 carats. It became part of the Crown Jewels in 1877.  Only women in the royal family have worn the diamond, as it is rumored to bring bad luck to any man who wears it. It was eventually set in a platinum crown for the 1937 coronation of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, the wife of King George VI.

The Crown of The Queen Mother is also interesting because it is detachable at the arches, so that it can be worn as either a full crown or a smaller circlet. In fact, after the death of King George VI, The Queen Mother only wore the crown as a circlet.


THE SCEPTER OF THE DOVE

One of two scepters used during the coronation ceremony, the scepter of the dove represents the monarch’s spiritual authority. The Scepter of the Dove is the plainer of the two scepters and is a simple golden rod with a gold orb attached to one end. An enamel dove perches atop the orb, which is adorned with bands of sapphires, diamonds, rubies, and emeralds.



THE SCEPTER OF THE CROSS

The Scepter of the Cross is the more well known and more elaborate of the two scepters, thanks to the massive diamond it boasts at its head. The scepter is home to the Great Star of Africa, or Cullinan I — the companion to the Second Star of Africa in the Imperial State Crown, and the largest flawless cut diamond in the world. The diamond is topped with a large amethyst and a diamond-encrusted cross. Together, these gems form a scepter that represents the monarch’s authority as head of state.