Hey there, royal enthusiasts and gem lovers, get ready for a captivating journey! The British Royal Family sure knows how to put on a show, and King Charles III’s recent Coronation was an extraordinary display of rich history, cherished traditions, and let’s be honest, some truly breathtaking bling that could make anyone’s heart skip a beat. We’re talking about jewels steeped in centuries of history that have adorned monarchs and sparkled brilliantly under the royal spotlight; these pieces are more than just accessories—they are legends themselves!
The Coronation wasn’t just about the pomp and circumstance; it was a grand stage for some of the most magnificent and historically significant jewels on the planet. These aren’t just pretty accessories; they’re tangible pieces of history, each telling tales of past British royalty, inherited and honored by today’s family members. The stories behind these glittering treasures are just as captivating as their dazzling diamonds, and trust us, you’re about to be mesmerized!
So, get ready to dive headfirst into a world where diamonds are forever, sapphires tell tales, and every ruby has a royal secret. We’ve rounded up 15 of the most prominent and historical pieces from the British Royal Collection – the ones that truly blinded onlookers and made us all gasp. In this first part, we’re peeling back the layers on seven truly unforgettable jewels, from the sacred crowns themselves to iconic tiaras that have graced the heads of queens and princesses. Prepare to be amazed!
1. **St. Edward’s Crown: The Ultimate Coronation Bling**Let’s kick things off with the absolute star of the show: the one and only St. Edward’s Crown. This isn’t just any crown; it’s the most sacred item of the Royal Regalia, named after the penultimate Anglo-Saxon king, Edward the Confessor. It’s on the monarch’s head for mere moments during the coronation, a grand entrance and exit indeed! Made of solid gold, it weighs a hefty five pounds, reportedly requiring some practice to wear. King Charles III himself recalls watching his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, rehearsing with it!
The crown’s history is truly wild. Edward the Confessor, on his deathbed in 1066, asked the monks of Westminster Abbey to keep his crown and other royal ornaments in perpetuity. By 1649, when King Charles I was executed and the monarchy abolished, this precious crown, along with other regalia, was either broken up and sold or melted down. What a historical travesty for such an important piece!
Good news for jewel aficionados! Eleven years after the exile of Charles I’s son, Charles II reclaimed the throne and brought with him the need for new coronation regalia that would reflect a larger-than-life celebration of monarchy. Initially, precious stones were temporarily set into a gold framework for grandeur, but it wasn’t until 1937 that King George VI, the grandfather of the current King, made a significant investment in 444 exquisite gemstones—diamonds, rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnets, topazes, and tourmalines—that continue to dazzle today, making this crown a true masterpiece of resilience and sparkle!
2. **The Imperial State Crown: A Constantly Worn Masterpiece** St. Edward’s Crown may be reserved for that spectacular crowning moment, but the Imperial State Crown is the shining star that sees more frequent use in royal duties. Designed for the coronation of George VI in 1937 by the renowned jeweler Garrard, this breathtaking piece is likely the most significant gem-studded regalia in the world, earning its reputation as a showstopper thanks to the historically weighty gemstones that make it a legendary emblem of monarchy.
Let’s talk numbers: this crown boasts an unbelievable 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 269 pearls. It’s not just a crown; it’s a universe of glittering history on one’s head. Among these countless gems, one diamond stands out as particularly important: the enormous cushion-shaped Cullinan II, gracing the front of the band. This magnificent stone was given to Edward VII two years after its discovery in Thomas Cullinan’s Premier mine in South Africa in 1905.
The Cullinan Diamond, in its uncut state, was the largest and most spectacular diamond ever found, a staggering 3,106 metric carats! From this colossal rough diamond, nine large diamonds were cut, with Cullinan I and Cullinan II becoming legendary. Cullinan II, prominently featured in the Imperial State Crown, is a true testament to its grandeur, symbolizing centuries of royal power and tradition. It’s no wonder this crown is a staple at events like the State Opening of Parliament, blinding onlookers with its unparalleled magnificence.
3. **Queen Mary’s Crown: A Modern Tribute with Historic Sparkle**When King Charles III was crowned, Queen Camilla also ascended to her new role, doing so with Queen Mary’s Crown. This specific piece, made by Garrard for the 1911 coronation of Queen Mary, underwent a very significant change for Charles III’s coronation. In a powerful move reflecting modern times, the infamous Koh-i-Noor diamond, historically at the crown’s center, was removed. This diamond has long been considered a symbol of oppressive colonial history.
Instead of the Koh-i-Noor, Queen Mary’s Crown was refitted and set with the magnificent Cullinan III, IV, and V diamonds. This was a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who so often wore these specific diamonds as a beloved brooch she affectionately called ‘Granny’s Chips’. Incorporating diamonds she cherished and made famous added an incredibly touching layer of personal history to Camilla’s coronation look.
Originally adorned with an astonishing 2,200 diamonds, this crown now sparkles with renewed brilliance and carries a powerful narrative of adaptation. It showcases how royal jewels, while deeply rooted in tradition, can evolve to reflect contemporary values and personal tributes. Queen Camilla’s choice of this dazzling crown exemplifies the monarchy’s commitment to sustainability and sensitivity, all while captivating audiences with jewels that radiate both historical significance and personal affection.
4. **The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross: Holding the ‘Star of Africa’** Prepare to be mesmerized by a regalia piece that holds the world’s largest cut diamond: The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross. More than just a luxurious accessory, this sceptre is a profound symbol of the monarch’s authority and governance, originally crafted for Charles II in 1661. This elegant gold rod is artfully divided into three sections featuring exquisitely enamelled collars, making it a true masterpiece of craftsmanship.
Over the centuries, this sceptre saw many alterations, but none as jaw-dropping as the one in 1910. That’s when Garrard, the Crown Jewellers, modified it to receive the truly colossal Great Star of Africa, also known as Cullinan I. This diamond, weighing an astonishing 530.2 carats, is the largest cut diamond in the entire world! It was discovered in a British-owned South African mine in 1905 and given to Edward VII. The sceptre actually had to be reinforced to hold its immense weight!
What’s even cooler? The heart-shaped structure securely holding Cullinan I was hinged. As Caroline de Guitaut, Deputy Surveyor of the Royal Collection, perfectly explained: “Queen Mary, with great foresight and obviously a great lover of jewels made very, very sure that both Cullinans I and 2 could be detached from the sceptre and state crown, so that she could wear them together as a brooch – yes together, 1000 carats of diamonds!”. Above this marvel, the sceptre dazzles with emeralds, an amethyst sphere, diamonds, rubies, spinels, and more, culminating in a diamond-set cross at the very top. Pure, unadulterated splendor!
5. **The Sovereign’s Orb: A World of Gems in One Hand** Let’s now dive into the dazzling Sovereign’s Orb, another indispensable piece of regalia that screams ‘Christian world symbolism’ with immense grandeur. Made for Charles II in 1661, this magnificent golden globe embodies the monarch’s dominion over the world. Weighing around three pounds, it is held in the monarch’s right hand during the coronation before elegantly taking its place on the altar just before the crowning moment. It is an iconic and cherished visual from this historic ceremony!
The orb is literally covered in breathtaking gems. It’s surmounted with a ‘monde’ – a sphere created as an amethyst, cut in an octagonal step-cut, above which stands a cross. This cross is set with beautiful rose-cut diamonds, an emerald on one side, and a sapphire at the center on the reverse, bordered with delicate lines of pearls. Bands set with rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and pearls divide the sphere into three sections.
Legend has it that these three sections are supposed to represent the three continents known at the time of its original creation. In total, this stunning piece of regalia is set with a mind-boggling 365 rose-cut diamonds – one for each day of the year! It’s also adorned with 375 pearls, 18 rubies, nine emeralds, and nine sapphires, making it a truly sparkling miniature world in the palm of the monarch’s hand.
6. **The Jewelled Sword of Offering: The Blingiest Blade**Prepare to be utterly enchanted by an item of regalia often overlooked amidst the crowns and sceptres, yet it is truly one of its most beautiful: the Jewelled Sword of Offering. Forget plain steel; this sword is a masterpiece of adornment, created for and under the explicit instruction of George IV in 1821. It’s presented to the monarch during his Investiture, alongside the Orb and Sceptre, signifying a different kind of power and protection.
The blade itself is a work of art, decorated in blue and gilt steel with the intricate emblems of the British Isles: roses, thistles, and shamrocks. The hilt truly steals the show. The crosspiece is pure gold and densely set with diamonds, featuring a striking rectangular-cut emerald on one side and an octagonal-cut emerald on the reverse. Adorable lion motifs, complete with ruby-set eyes, guard either end of the crosspiece. The grip is also set with diamonds, forming sprays of oak leaves with emeralds depicting acorns. Even the pommel is dripping in diamonds, rubies, and an emerald!
But wait, there’s more! The sword’s scabbard, its case, is made from leather, covered with gold sheet, and lined with luxurious red silk velvet. It’s superbly decorated on both sides with more roses, thistles, and shamrocks, all brought to life with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. The very top of the scabbard boasts blue and yellow sapphires and a ruby amongst glittering diamonds, while the bottom is set with further diamond oak-leaf sprays, emerald acorns, and an opulent large turquoise oval cabochon on each side. If you’re going to wield a sword, it might as well be this breathtaking!
7. **Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara: A Royal Icon Reborn**Alright, tiara lovers, prepare for a piece that has quite literally graced the heads of royalty, becoming one of the most recognized royal jewels out there! We’re talking about Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara, a true icon known for adorning Queen Mary herself, the beloved Princess Diana, and now, the elegant Catherine, Princess of Wales. It’s a generational showstopper!
This exquisite piece was first commissioned from Garrard for Queen Mary in 1913. It consists of beautifully diamond-embellished lover’s knot motifs, each featuring a romantic twist, and no less than 19 suspended pearls, adding a delicate swing to its formidable sparkle. What’s truly fascinating is that it was made using jewels and pearls from Queen Mary’s private collection, and its dazzling design was actually modeled after the Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara – a piece worn by Queen Mary’s own grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kassel. Talk about a family tradition!
Upon Queen Mary’s death, this radiant tiara was passed onto Queen Elizabeth II. But it truly captured the public’s imagination when it was given to Princess Diana, on whom it became so incredibly well-known. The “People’s Princess” donned these brilliant jewels on multiple occasions, making them a signature part of her iconic style. Although it was later placed into the Royal vault following her divorce, this famous tiara made a triumphant return almost 20 years later, worn by Kate Middleton – Catherine, Princess of Wales – at a diplomatic reception in 2015, and it has been a treasured part of her collection ever since, continuing its glittering legacy.
Alright, royal enthusiasts, you thought we were done with the sparkle? Think again! Our deep dive into the British Royal Family’s dazzling collection is just getting even more brilliant. We’ve covered some serious heavy hitters, but trust us, there are still plenty of breathtaking treasures with incredible stories waiting to be unveiled. These next eight jewels aren’t just accessories; they’re woven into the very fabric of royal history, culture, and even personal romances.
Get ready to uncover more unique origins, hear fascinating personal anecdotes, and discover how these cherished heirlooms continue to captivate the world, reflecting centuries of tradition, love, and a sprinkle of controversy! From the most ancient surviving piece of regalia to tiaras that have become synonymous with beloved princesses, prepare for another round of magnificent bling that truly blinded onlookers at the Coronation and beyond. Let’s dive into the next chapter of royal splendor!
8. **The Coronation Spoon: The Ancient Anointing Relic**If you thought all the coronation regalia was shiny and new, prepare to be amazed by a piece that literally predates almost everything else! We’re talking about the Coronation Spoon, which isn’t just old; it’s the *only* remaining item of the original medieval regalia. This little gem was described as “antique” way back in 1349 when it was first recorded as part of St. Edward’s Regalia at Westminster Abbey. Talk about a glow-up that lasted centuries!
This isn’t just any old spoon, though. It’s arguably one of the most important religious items of the entire collection. Why? Because it’s used for the most solemn and deeply religious part of the coronation ceremony: anointing the sovereign with holy oil. Imagine a moment steeped in tradition, where liquid gold (well, holy oil!) from the Ampulla is poured onto this very spoon, touching the monarch’s head, chest, and hands. Goosebumps, right?
In contrast to the grand crowns and sceptres, the Coronation Spoon emerges as a humble yet profoundly significant piece. This spoon embodies the enduring spiritual essence of the monarchy, serving as a silent witness to countless coronations while bridging the modern ceremony with its ancient roots. It serves as a poignant reminder that not all royal treasures need to be grand in size; often, it’s the unparalleled history and sacred purpose that make a piece truly priceless.
9. **The Holy Ampulla: The Golden Eagle of Anointing**Speaking of holy oil, you can’t have the Coronation Spoon without its magnificent partner in crime: The Holy Ampulla! This isn’t your average flask; its name, from the Latin for ‘spherical flask,’ hardly does justice to its glorious form. We’re talking about a magnificent item of regalia in the shape of a glorious golden eagle, standing as though it’s about to take flight!
This isn’t just a vessel; it’s a work of art. Its beautifully depicted feathers fan out along fully spanned wings, with the bird standing proudly on a circular podium of sculpted gold foliage. It’s a literal golden eagle, ready to deliver its sacred contents! This majestic item holds the holy oil, which, as we know, is poured from its beak onto the Coronation Spoon for the anointing of the sovereign.
The Ampulla’s symbolism is as rich as its gold. The eagle has long been a symbol of power, majesty, and divine connection, making it the perfect guardian for the sacred oil used in the most religious part of the coronation ceremony. It’s truly a spectacular blend of artistic craftsmanship and profound spiritual significance, ensuring that even the vessel for the holy oil blinds onlookers with its sheer beauty and meaning.
10. **Cartier Halo Tiara: Kate’s Fairytale Moment**Alright, tiara lovers, get ready for a piece that defined a modern royal fairytale moment: the Cartier Halo Tiara! This stunning diamond diadem shot to global fame when Catherine, Princess of Wales, famously wore it on her own royal wedding day. It was the perfect “something borrowed” that captured hearts worldwide, solidifying its place in royal lore.
This elegant tiara has been a part of the British Royal Family’s main line since 1936 when King George VI commissioned it from Cartier for his wife, Elizabeth, who would become the beloved Queen Mother. It made its first public appearance on November 4, 1936, at a charity ball in London. This isn’t just a pretty face; it boasts a whopping 739 brilliant-cut diamonds and 149 baguette diamonds, creating an unbelievable sparkle!
Interestingly, Queen Elizabeth II received this tiara on her 18th birthday but never wore it publicly herself. It later graced the head of her younger sister, Princess Margaret, in the 1970s. After disappearing from public view for many years, it made a triumphant return in 2011 on Kate Middleton, becoming her iconic wedding accessory. Given its smaller-than-average size, it’s been dubbed the ideal “beginner tiara” for younger royals, and rumor has it, this prominent family heirloom is likely to be seen next on Princess Charlotte. Talk about a sparkling legacy!
11. **Prince Albert’s Sapphire Brooch: A Token of Enduring Love**Prepare for a piece steeped in romance and history, one of the oldest and most distinct royal family heirlooms: Prince Albert’s Sapphire Brooch. This wasn’t just any gift; it was a grand gesture, a pre-wedding present from Prince Albert to Queen Victoria in 1840, just one day before their wedding. Talk about setting the bar high for future spouses!
Valued at approximately GBP 8 million today, this spectacular piece, made by Garrard, features a remarkable 118.88 carat royal blue Burmese sapphire surrounded by 12 brilliant diamonds. Queen Victoria was utterly charmed by the gift, wearing it on her wedding day and even noting in her diary that Prince Albert had given her “a splendid brooch, a large sapphire set round with diamonds, which is really quite beautiful.” We couldn’t agree more, Queen Vic!
For the next two decades, the brooch became one of Queen Victoria’s absolute favorites, a constant symbol of her enduring love for Albert. Though she rarely wore it after his death, its historical significance was cemented when she stated in her will that it would be an “heloom of the crown” and passed down to future queens. True to her wishes, all four queens and queen consorts since – Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Elizabeth II – have gone on to wear it, with Queen Elizabeth II making it a particular favorite, regularly seen during her magnificent 70-year reign.
12. **The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara: The Queen’s Everyday Bling**If there’s one tiara that practically became a daily staple for a monarch, it’s The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara! This isn’t just an iconic piece; it’s a historic gem that was previously seen almost daily, having been proudly worn by Queen Elizabeth II in her accession photographs for British coins and banknotes back in 1952. How cool is that for a tiara to be on your money?
This exquisite tiara, made by Garrard, has a heartwarming origin story. It was commissioned by Lady Eva Grenville, who was the daughter of the 4th Earl of Warwick and the head of “The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland” fundraising committee. Hence, the charming name! This special piece was presented as a wedding gift to Queen Mary when she married King George V, symbolizing the affection and good wishes of an entire nation.
The tiara stands as a beautiful representation of royal familial connections. Queen Mary lovingly passed it down to her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, on her own wedding day, creating a treasured heirloom that has been cherished across generations. Its glittering history and continuous role in royal life elevate its significance, and while its estimated worth is an impressive GBP 20 million, its true value lies in the powerful symbolism and continuity it embodies within the British Royal Family. It’s a tiara that seamlessly connects the legacies of royal women through time!
13. **Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik Tiara: A Russian-Inspired Masterpiece**Prepare yourselves for one of the most grand and spectacularly bejeweled heirlooms of the British Royal Family: Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik Tiara! Queen Alexandra, the Danish princess who became Queen consort of King Edward VII, was famously known for her affinity for opulent jewels, often accessorizing with layers of necklaces, bracelets, and, of course, tiaras. She truly understood the power of bling!
Designed by Garrard, this magnificent Kokoshnik tiara was commissioned by a committee of prominent aristocratic women, affectionately known as “Ladies of Society,” for Queen Alexandra in celebration of her and King Edward VII’s 25th wedding anniversary in 1888. But here’s the fun fact: the design actually came from Queen Alexandra herself! She was inspired by a diamond Kokoshnik tiara owned by her sister, Empress Maria Feodorovna, who was married to Tsar Alexander III of Russia.
The dazzling tiara famously borrowed the halo shape from traditional Russian peasant headdresses, giving it a distinctive and majestic look. It features an impressive series of 61 vertical bars, each set with over 400 perfectly matched diamonds, creating an incredible cascade of sparkle. And if that wasn’t enough, it had the amazing ability to be converted into a necklace! Queen Alexandra is believed to have worn this tiara frequently, and upon her passing, it was handed down to her daughter-in-law, Queen Mary, and eventually inherited by Queen Elizabeth II. While there’s no exact valuation, its historical significance and exuberant quantity of diamonds mean it’s worth tens of millions of pounds – a true royal showstopper!
14. **Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara: The Ultimate Royal Wedding Star** Get ready to be amazed as we discuss what Royal Jeweller Garrard named ‘the most loved royal wedding tiara in history’: Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara! This stunning piece has quite literally walked down the aisle with three royal brides and has graced five generations of the Royal Family, proving that it is a true testament to love, legacy, and the passage of time!
Similar to Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik tiara, this Fringe Tiara also takes on a captivating Russian-style silhouette, featuring similar graduated bars and diamond-embellished opulence. We’re talking 633 brilliants, 271 rose diamonds, and 47 vertical bars all coming together to create a dazzling fringe effect that truly blinds onlookers. This stunning piece was commissioned by Queen Mary herself and designed by Garrard in 1919, showing her incredible eye for majestic jewels.
Interestingly, while Queen Mary had both the Fringe Tiara and Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik Tiara in her collection, she much preferred the Fringe, finding it lighter and easier to manage during her royal duties. But its most iconic moment arguably came when it was worn by Queen Elizabeth II on her wedding day to Prince Philip in 1947, after her mother had loaned it to her for the momentous occasion. Since then, Queen Mary’s tiara has firmly cemented itself as a beloved wedding accessory, gracing the heads of Princess Anne in 1973 and Princess Beatrice in 2020. Valued at a staggering GBP 6.8 to 9 million, this special occasion accessory is seldom seen in public, making its appearances truly legendary.
15. **Princess Diana’s Sapphire Engagement Ring: A Timeless Legacy of Love**Get ready for an easily recognizable, captivating, and vivid part of history that everyone, from devoted royal fans to casual observers, is familiar with: Princess Diana’s Sapphire Engagement Ring! This isn’t just any ring; it’s an icon. The breathtaking 12 carat blue sapphire, surrounded by 14 dazzling round-cut diamonds, was famously selected by Princess Diana herself, costing GBP 28,500 at the time.
Despite its undeniable cultural significance and sheer grandeur, the ring initially came with a touch of controversy during the time of Princess Diana’s engagement to then-Prince Charles. In the British Royal Family, it’s customary for an engagement ring to be a bespoke, one-of-a-kind creation. However, this magnificent ring was actually picked directly from royal jeweler Garrard’s public catalogue, making it accessible to anyone who could afford it – a real trailblazer move by Diana!
Despite the initial stir, Princess Diana was utterly enamored with the ring, wearing it on numerous occasions and continuing to do so even after her divorce from King Charles III. It became a powerful symbol of her individuality and style. After her tragic death in 1997, her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, inherited the iconic ring. Years later, Prince William touchingly proposed to Kate Middleton with his late mother’s ring, capturing global attention and beautifully highlighting the enduring legacy left by the “People’s Princess.” Since becoming Duchess of Wales, Kate Middleton has been known to wear the ring on multiple occasions, including throughout her pregnancies, ensuring its continuous sparkle and powerful story lives on.
And there you have it, dear readers! From the ancient Coronation Spoon to Diana’s iconic sapphire, we’ve ventured through a realm where history sparkles and each gem narrates a story. These jewels are more than mere ornaments; they are living testimonies of history, witnessing coronations, royal weddings, and personal triumphs throughout the ages. They remind us that while the monarchy continues to evolve, the brilliance of its rich heritage, captured in these stunning treasures, continues to dazzle onlookers and captivate our imaginations. Which gemstone captured your heart the most? We’d love to hear your thoughts because the conversation about royal bling is always vibrant and engaging!
