The British royal family’s crown jewels aren’t just crowns and jewels.
“Crown jewels” is really just a catchall name for a suite of artifacts and regalia the royals use for coronations and other special events. The collection — now housed at the Tower of London — includes everything from gigantic diamonds to swords to an 18-inch tall, jewel-encrusted salt shaker.
For centuries, the crown jewels were kept at Westminster Abbey. But in 1649, when the English Revolution abolished the monarchy, all the items were destroyed or sold off. Some were even melted down and made into coins.
12 years later, when the monarchy was restored, a whole new set of crown jewels were made for King Charles II. Much of the collection dates back to his 1661 coronation, but plenty of other treasures have been added since then.
Here’s a look at some of the most glittery, jaw-droppingly gorgeous crown jewels.
St. Edward’s Crown is the one the royals use at the moment of coronation.
Getty/WPA Pool
This crown was made for the coronation of King Charles II in 1661.
For centuries, the crown lacked permanent jewels — the royal family simply got loaners and stuck them on to the crown’s base for important occasions. It wasn’t until 1911 that the crown got a permanent set of tourmalines, white and yellow topazes, rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnets, peridots, and aquamarines. It weighs five pounds.
Source: Royal Collection
Here’s Queen Elizabeth wearing St. Edward’s on her coronation day in 1953.
AP
The Imperial State Crown is set with 2,868 diamonds — including a piece of the Cullinan, the largest rough diamond ever found.
Getty/WPA Pool
The crown was apparently remade in 1937 because its frame had weakened under the weight of all the gems.
Source: Historic Royal Palaces, Royal Collection
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