With the coronation of King Charles III approaching, we here at T.H.Baker thought it would be the perfect time to look at The Crown Jewels that have been ceremonial treasures of English kings and queens since the 1600s. The collection features many stunning pieces, many of which are adorned is some of the world’s most beautiful gemstones.
Acquired by various monarchs over the centuries, The Crown Jewels is said to have been started by Edward the Confessor who reigned from 1042 to 1066. He deposited his Royal ornaments for safekeeping at Westminster Abbey.
Since the coronation of Charles II in 1661 many sets of regalia have been created and used by later monarchs. Britain is the only remaining monarchy that still uses regalia for crowning a Sovereign, so these jewels are sure to be on display for King Charles III's coronation!
The processional regalia consists of two Royal maces, three swords that represent Mercy, Spiritual Justice and Temporal Justice, the Great Sword of State that symbolises the Sovereign’s Royal authority and the Saint Edwards Staff which can be dated back to the 1660s.
After the coronation oath, the Sovereign will be dressed in coronation robes. The Spurs, the jewelled Sword of Offering and the Armills, a selection of Gold bracelets that represent sincerity and wisdom. The Sovereign’s orb which represents Christian sovereignty is placed into the right hand. This orb is set with precious gemstones plenty. A coronation ring is then placed on the Sovereign’s right hand and then the sceptres are presented.
Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023
Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023
Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023
The Crown Jewels are compromises of over 100 objects and over 23,000 gemstones. The Imperial State Crown worn by the monarch as they leave Westminster Abbey after the coronation is made from solid Gold. The crown is set with over 2,800 diamonds, 17 Sapphires, 11 Emeralds, over 250 Pearls and 4 Rubies. This crown has some of the most famous jewels in the world, including the Black Prince’s Ruby, The Stuart Sapphire and the Cullinan II Diamond.
The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross also features some incredible gemstones, including the largest colourless Diamond in the world, the Cullinan I Diamond at 530.2 carats. The Sovereign’s Orb is also set with Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds and Pearls.
The overall value of The Crown Jewels is estimated to be somewhere between £3 billion and £5 billion. However, the Royal Collection is actually only held in trust by the Monarch for the nation, meaning that the reigning king or queen doesn’t actually own these pieces. With that being said, only certain Royal family members are allowed to wear The Crown Jewels. Of course, King's and Queen's past will have acquired their own personal collections which will be passed down through the Royal family, however, only the Sovereign can decide which family members can borrow jewellery from the private collection.
Here at T.H.Baker, we have some absolutely stunning gemstone jewellery within our collection of new jewellery and some really beautiful second-hand pieces. Whether you are after a delicate piece to cherish for a lifetime or a bold piece that will make you feel like Royalty, we’ve got it all here at T.H.Baker. Shop online or in-store to find the gemstones of your dreams.
