See the Crown Jewels

The Jewel House transformed

Discover the history and significance of the Crown Jewels in displays introduced in May 2023, just weeks after the world witnessed the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort.

The timelessness of monarchy

Your experience of the Jewel House will begin with a celebration of the timelessness of monarchy, displaying the State Crown frames worn by past monarchs George I, George IV, and Queen Victoria and explaining how many of the most historic jewels – including the famous ‘Black Prince’s Ruby’ - have passed from crown to crown.

The origins of the Crown Jewels

Learn more about the origins of the current Crown Jewels, starting with the destruction of the medieval Coronation Regalia in 1649, during the English Civil War. The Crown Jewels were destroyed at the Tower after the Civil War and remade for Charles II’s coronation in 1661. They signify the royal authority to lead and protect the nation.

The Coronation Regalia we see today was recreated for the Coronation of King Charles II: only the Coronation Spoon survives as a relic of the earlier medieval collection.

A Commonwealth coin from the era on loan from the British Museum is now on display, demonstrating how the melted gold once worn by medieval monarchs was re-used in the inter-regnum.

The history of the Koh-i-Noor and the Cullinan Diamond

Explore the history of the Koh-i-Noor, which is set within the Crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, including the stone’s story as a symbol of conquest, with many previous owners, including Mughal Emperors, Shahs of Iran, Emirs of Afghanistan, and Sikh Maharajas.

See the hammer and knife used to make the first cuts to the famous Cullinan diamond, on display in the Jewel House for the first time. Discovered in South Africa in 1905, the diamond is the largest gem-quality uncut diamond ever found at 3106 carats. It was split into nine major stones and 96 smaller brilliants, with the largest two stones featuring in the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross and the Imperial State Crown.

The Coronation Procession

At the heart of the display will be a room dedicated to the spectacle, pageantry and community of the Coronation Procession. The display will present Coronation Processions throughout history, celebrating the contributions of the many people who take part in these unique events.

On display will be a series of objects from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, including a herald's tabard which would have been worn during royal processions.

Prince of Wales's Investiture Coronet 1969

The Prince of Wales Investiture Coronet of His Majesty the King was added to the Jewel House in February 2020. The coronet, part of the Royal Collection, joined the coronets of two other Princes of Wales.

For his investiture as Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle on 1 July 1969, His Majesty The King wore the contemporary coronet designed by architect and goldsmith Louis Osman. The coronet is made of gold and platinum and set with diamonds and emeralds with a purple velvet and ermine cap of estate.

Alongside the coronet, the rod used in the 1969 investiture, previously made for the 1911 investiture, is also on display.