The History Behind the British Crown Jewels (2024)

FAQs

The History Behind the British Crown Jewels? ›

Collectively, these objects came to be known as the Jewels of the Crown. Most of the collection dates from around 1660 when Charles II ascended the throne. The medieval and Tudor regalia had either been sold or melted down after the monarchy was abolished in 1649 during the English Civil War.

The Crown Jewels have had a turbulent history. King John is said to have lost the Crown Jewels in quicksand in 1216. Edward III pawned the jewels to pay his troops during an overseas campaign. Charles I's wife also managed to pawn the Crown Jewels in Holland at the beginning of the Civil War.

The crown jewels are a diverse set of objects with a wide range of origins. Some of the gemstones involved did come from Africa, but many others originated in Asia.

Often described as the 'Jewel in the Crown', British India played a key role (economic, strategic, military) in the expansion and consolidation of British Empire.

India's cotton was of exceptional quality and its value increased from 40 million rupees to 60 million rupees in 20 years. Thus, the British considered India to be its “Jewel in the Crown” because of its location, resources and population, out of which they could earn huge amounts of revenue.

For the English coronation of Charles II ( r. 1660–1685), who returned from exile abroad, new Jewels were made based on records of the lost items. They were supplied by the banker and royal goldsmith, Sir Robert Vyner, at a cost of £12,184 7s 2d – as much as three warships.

'Who owns the Crown Jewels?'

The Crown Jewels are held in trust by the king or queen for the nation. They are passed to the next monarch on their accession (when they become king or queen).

Thomas Blood (1618 – 24 August 1680) was an Anglo-Irish officer and self-styled colonel best known for his attempt to steal the Crown Jewels of England from the Tower of London in 1671.

His descendant Shah Shojāʿ, when a fugitive in India, was forced to surrender the stone to Ranjit Singh, the Sikh ruler. On the annexation of the Punjab in 1849, the Koh-i-noor was acquired by the British and was placed among the crown jewels of Queen Victoria.

Current estimates place the value of the British Crown Jewels between $4 to $6 billion. Today, the British Crown Jewels are kept in the Tower of London and represent over 800 years of the history of the British monarchy. The Imperial State Crown is one of the most famous of the items housed there.

Are the real Crown Jewels in the Tower of London? ›

You'll find the Crown Jewels under armed guard in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. These gems are a unique working collection of royal regalia and are still regularly used by the monarch for important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament. Make sure to look out for the 'in use' signs.

In 1671 a former Civil War soldier and his gang conned their way into stealing the British Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. It became the first and only time anyone has attempted to steal them.

While the worth of the Sovereign's Orb and Coronation Spoon is unknown, experts estimate that the Imperial State Crown is worth between $3.4 and $5.7 billion, St. Edward's Crown is worth $57 million, and the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross is worth $400 million.

The Crown Jewels feature some of the world's most famous diamonds, which are the ultimate symbol of strength, power and commitment.

The phrase 'the jewel in the crown ' was formerly used to describe India's place in the British Empire, and is used today to refer to something of great value among other valuable things.

Koh-i-noor, one of the world's most famous diamonds, known for its size (105.6 carats) and the controversy concerning its ownership. Part of the British crown jewels since 1849, the Koh-i-noor is claimed by several countries, including India, which has demanded its return.

It is largely reported that Queen Elizabeth II wore four crowns regularly throughout her reign. But, there are many more within the Royal Family's collection. There are seven sovereign crowns, but some have fallen out of use, or are kept for display purposes only.