The Crown Jewels are symbols of the monarch’s right to the throne. Oliver Cromwell sold and destroyed historic jewels, but King Charles II commissioned new ones. The Imperial State Crown is the most recognized and contains the Ruby of the Black Prince, Cullinan II diamond, and Sapphire of Edward the Confessor. Other objects include swords, orbs, and holy oil. The Crown Jewels are held in safekeeping for the people of Great Britain and are displayed in the Tower of London.
Crowns, sceptres, orbs, rings – in Britain, these include the crown jewels. The Crown Jewels are those items used in a coronation that symbolize the right and authority of the monarch to sit on his country’s throne. Most people have seen at least a sample of Britain’s crown jewels, if ever they’ve seen Queen Elizabeth II open Parliament. She always wears the Imperial State Crown when she performs this royal duty.
The British Crown Jewels are renowned for their magnificence and historical significance. Other historic crown jewels would still exist were it not for Oliver Cromwell. As Lord Protector of England, he felt that the monarchy would never be restored, and so he ordered that the existing Crown Jewels be sold or melted down and minted into coins. He also sold the medieval coronation robes in the collection, destroying priceless artifacts.
When King Charles II regained the throne of England he ordered new crown jewels to be fashioned, and these have been in use ever since. There were some remaining jewels of historical significance to be found, and these were used in the new Crown Jewel series. Some of those who had bought the jewels from Cromwell returned them when Charles II took the throne, and others were found in shrines and tombs.
The most recognized crown in the set is the aforementioned Imperial State Crown. It was made in 1937 for King George VI. It contains a red spinel known as the Ruby of the Black Prince, the Cullinan II diamond and the Sapphire of Edward the Confessor. The British monarch has always been crowned with St Edward’s Crown and the one used now is the one commissioned by Charles II. This crown is extremely heavy and the Sovereign usually changes it for the Imperial State Crown when working outside Westminster Abbey.
The monarch is preceded by the Great Sword of State, the Sword of Justice and the blunt Sword of Mercy. While receiving the insignia, the ruler also receives the Great Sphere, which symbolizes Christian rule. The Orb is a hollow globe of gold and encrusted with gems. Scepters with Cross and Dove are also held and golden armils are placed on the arms. The Scepter with Cross features the spectacular 530-carat Cullinan I diamond, also called The Star of Africa.
The monarch is anointed with holy oil from the eagle-shaped cruet, made in 1661. The heavy spoon into which the oil is poured is the oldest piece in the collection and probably dates back to 1100. The king also receives spurs , symbols of chivalry, and the ring of state. It dates back to 1831. Other crowns and objects and gold foils are also part of the collection.
The reigning monarch holds the Crown Jewels in safekeeping for the subjects of Great Britain. They are not part of her personal wealth or her jewelry collection. The Crown Jewels are now displayed in the Norman stronghold, the Tower of London. Visitors can see them and marvel at their exquisite beauty and history.
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