British Crown Jewels in the Tower of London

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The British Crown Jewels are one of the most impressive collections of precious stones, gold and other valuables in the world. They are kept in the Tower of London, a historic fortress on the banks of the Thames in central London. The Crown Jewels include a variety of items such as crowns, sceptres, orbs, swords and robes that have been used for centuries at coronations and other national occasions.

From United Kingdom Government – Illustrated magazine, 13. Dezember 1952, S. 14. Copyright-Etikett: “CROWN COPYRIGHT RESERVED” (no other identifiers or attributions), Public domain, Link

>>> Here you can buy tickets for the Tower of London

Come to the Tower without a long wait. Is that possible?

A good idea is to buy tickets in advance on the internet. I can’t say this often enough: the waiting time at the ticket office in front of the entrance to the Tower of London is often hours long. On this website you can buy tickets for the Tower of London on the internet in German and in Euros. Cancellations up to one day before the visit are free of charge with this provider. If you book on the internet, the entrance is a few percent cheaper.——>>> Here you can get tickets for the Tower of London

History of the Crown Jewels

The history of the Crown Jewels dates back to the early Middle Ages, when monarchs had personal collections of precious objects such as gems and gold. The first recorded collection of royal regalia dates from the reign of Edward the Confessor (1042-1066). However, most of the present crown jewellery dates from the Restoration of 1660.

After the execution of King Charles I in 1649, his royal regalia was sold or dismantled. When Charles II returned to the throne in 1660, he commissioned the making of a new set of crown jewels. These included the St Edward’s Crown, which was made in 1661 and is still used at coronations today.

Over the centuries, the Crown Jewels were added, altered or lost. During Queen Victoria’s reign, the existing crown was too heavy for her, so a new piece of jewellery was made especially for her, which was also set with diamonds.

During the Second World War, the Crown Jewels were hidden in a secret location to protect them from bombing. After the war, they were returned to the Tower of London and have been on display there ever since.

The Crown Jewels today

The Crown Jewels are kept at Jewel House in the Tower of London, one of the city’s most famous attractions. At Jewel House there are a variety of exhibitions explaining the history and significance of the Crown Jewels. Visitors can see the Crown of St Edward, the Imperial Crown and other regalia worn by monarchs throughout history.One of the most impressive pieces of crown jewellery is the Imperial State Crown. It was made for the coronation of King George VI in 1937 and is still in use today. The crown is made of gold and silver and is set with over 3,000 precious stones, including diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. Weighing more than 1.5 kilograms, it is considered one of the most valuable objects in the world.

Free entry with London Pass 2024: The “London Pass” ticket is often worthwhile for tourists who want to visit several sights in a few days. Entry to the Tower of London is also free with the pass: More information on this page.

Another remarkable object in the Crown Jewels is a sceptre with a cross. This sceptre was created in 1661 and topped with the largest cut diamond in the world, the Cullinan I. The diamond weighs over 530 carats and is worth over £400 million.

>>> Here you can buy tickets for the Tower of London

The Crown Jewels are still worn on important national occasions such as coronations, state visits and other official ceremonies. When a new monarch is crowned, the Crown Jewels are presented to him and he is therefore responsible for their preservation.

In summary, the British Crown Jewels are a fascinating collection of priceless objects with a rich and varied history. They are important symbols of the British monarchy and are kept at the Tower of London, where visitors can see them up close and learn more about their significance. Whether you are interested in history or art, or simply appreciate beautiful and precious objects, the Crown Jewels are definitely worth a visit.

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One of the popular excursions in London is to the film studios, where the Harry Potter films were shot. The location of the studios is about 30 kilometres north of London near the town of Watford. The tour includes a bus transfer from London and has very good reviews. A “must” for every Harry Potter fan on holiday in London. The trip by bus and the visit to the film studios takes around 7 hours. You should book early, the popular Harry Potter excursion from London is often sold out. The alternative journey by public transport is not so easy. The excursion to the Warner Brothers Studios is for many London holidaymakers the highlight of their trip.

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Cullinan I , the largest diamond in the world

The Cullinan I diamond, also known as the Great Star of Africa, is the largest cut diamond in the world. It weighs over 530 carats and is one of the jewels of the British Crown, kept in the Tower of London. The story of the Cullinan I diamond is fascinating, and its journey from the mines of South Africa to the Tower of London is an incredible discovery and meticulous craftsmanship.

In search of the Cullinan diamonds:

The Cullinan diamonds were discovered at the Premier Mine in South Africa on 26 January 1905. The mine manager Frederick Wells discovered the diamond while examining the walls of the mine. The diamond was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the mine, who sold it to the Transvaal government.

The Cullinan diamond was the largest diamond ever discovered, weighing over 3,100 carats. The diamond was so large that it was initially thought to be a hoax because diamonds of this size were not believed to occur in nature.

The cutting of the Cullinan diamond:

The Cullinan diamond was eventually sold to the British government, and Edward VII commissioned the famous diamond cutter Joseph Asher to cut the diamond. The cutting process took months and was extremely delicate, as the size and value of the diamond made it a risky undertaking. Usher used a specially made steel blade to groove the diamond and hammered it to break it along the grain. The first blow was so hard that the blade broke, but fortunately the diamond survived.

After several cuts, Usher had created nine large diamonds and 96 small diamonds. The largest diamond, which became known as the Cullinan I or Great Star of Africa, weighed 530.20 carats and was set in a sceptre.

>>> Here you can buy tickets for the Tower of London

Cullinan I Diamond in the Tower of London:

The Cullinan I Diamond is one of the British Crown Jewels kept in the Tower of London. The diamond is set in the royal sceptre, one of the most important symbols of the British monarchy. The sceptre is used at the coronation ceremony and held by the monarch during the oath of coronation.

The Cullinan Diamond I is detachable from the royal sceptre and can also be used as a brooch. Queen Mary, the consort of King George V, frequently wore this brooch, which has become one of the most famous pieces of jewellery in the world.

The Cullinan I diamonds are not the only significant crown jewels made from Cullinan diamonds. The Cullinan II diamond, weighing over 300 carats, is also part of the Crown Jewels and is set in the Imperial State Crown.

In summary, the Cullinan I diamond is one of the most impressive and valuable diamonds in the world. Its discovery and cut are a testament to the skill and precision of a diamond cutter, and the journey from South Africa to the Tower of London is an incredible story. The diamonds are still an important symbol of the British Royal Family and a must-see for any visitor to the Tower of London.Royal Sceptre, part of the Crown Jewels in Tower of London

Royal Sceptre, part of the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London

The Royal Sceptre, one of the most important pieces of the British Crown Jewels, is kept in the Tower of London. A sceptre is a symbol of a monarch’s authority and power and is used at coronation ceremonies.

The sceptre consists of two parts, a staff and an end cap, and is adorned with the Cullinan I diamond, also known as the ‘Great Star of Africa’. The sceptre was made for the coronation of Charles II in 1661 and has been used at every coronation since.

Staff: The staff is made of gold and is about 92.5 cm long. It is decorated with a series of bands and circles set with precious stones such as rubies, sapphires and emeralds. On the staff there is also a small figure of St George and the dragon with diamonds and enamel.

>>> Here you can buy tickets for the Tower of London

Design: The tip of the royal sceptre is crowned with the Cullinan I diamond, the largest cut diamond in the world. The diamond is set in a platinum setting and surrounded by smaller diamonds. The rim is set with two small diamonds known as African dwarfs. The Cullinan I diamond was originally set in the crown of the British Empire, but was transferred to the royal sceptre by Edward VII in 1910. The diamond weighs over 530 carats and can be removed from the sceptre to be worn as a brooch.

History of the sceptre: The Royal Sceptre was made by goldsmith Robert Garrard for the coronation of Charles II in 1661. Since then, the sceptre has been used at all coronations, with the exception of the coronation of Mary II in 1689.

The sceptre has undergone several changes over the years. In 1905, the end was changed to accommodate the Cullinan I diamond. In 1953, the staff was shortened to make it easier to handle during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

The sceptre is an important symbol of the British monarchy and one of the most important pieces of the Crown Jewels. The sceptre is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and its intricate design and beautiful gemstones make it one of the most striking pieces of jewellery in the world. Visitors to the Tower of London can view the Royal Sceptre and other Crown Jewels at the Jewel House.


A good idea is to buy tickets in advance on the internet. I can’t say this often enough: the waiting time at the ticket office in front of the entrance to the Tower of London is often hours long. On this website you can buy tickets for the Tower of London on the internet. Cancellations up to one day before the visit are free of charge with this provider. If you book on the internet, the entrance is a few percent cheaper.——>>> Here you can get tickets for the Tower of London


 

Imperial State Crown

The Imperial State Crown is one of the most famous pieces in the Tower of London’s collection of Crown Jewels. It is a symbol of the power and authority of the British monarchy and is worn by the monarch at the opening ceremony of the Houses of Parliament.

History Imperial State Crown:

The Imperial State Crown was created for the coronation of George VI in 1937, replacing the previous Imperial State Crown which had been in use since 1838. The new crown was designed by Crown Jewelers Garrard & Co. and contains a combination of old and new gemstones.

Design Imperial State Crown:

The Imperial State Crown is made of gold and silver and is set with over 3,000 precious stones, including diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires. The crown has four crosses and upper arches and is decorated with large sapphires called Stuart sapphires. The crown also contains the Black Prince’s ruby, which is actually a large red spinel, not a ruby, and is believed to have belonged to Edward the Black Prince, who died in the 14th century.

The crown also contains several historic objects. The crown also contains several historical objects, such as the Crown of St Edward, which is located in front of the crown and is believed to date back to the 11th century. The crown also contains the Cullinan II diamond, the second largest diamond in the world, weighing over 300 carats.

Purpose Imperial State Crown :

The Imperial State Crown is the symbol of power of the British monarchy and is worn by the monarch at the opening of the Houses of Parliament, a major ceremonial event in the British political calendar. At this ceremony the monarch reads out the government’s legislative programme for the coming year and senators and MPs are present.

The Imperial State Crown is one of the most famous pieces in the Crown Jewels Collection and a popular attraction for visitors to the Tower of London. Visitors can view the crown as part of the Jewel House exhibition. The exhibition also includes the Sovereign’s Sceptre and the Imperial Orb.

Jewel House In The Tower of London (Jewel House with Crown Jewels)

If you are planning a visit to Jewel House in the Tower of London, the following information will help you.

By CherryX via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Visit / Admission: There is a charge for entry to the Tower of London, including entry to the Jewel House. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the ticket office on the day of your visit. The Tower of London is a popular attraction so we recommend booking tickets in advance to avoid queues.

Exhibitions: The Jewel House is one of the Tower of London’s main exhibitions and is located in Waterloo Block. Visitors can view Crown Jewels such as the Imperial Crown of State, the Sovereign’s Sceptre and the Imperial Orb. The exhibition also includes interactive displays and information about the history and significance of the Crown Jewels.

Guided tours: Guided tours of the Jewel House are available and are led by Yeoman Warder, also known as The Beefeater. The tours are included in the admission price and provide visitors with more information about the history of the Crown Jewels and the Tower of London.

Security: As you can imagine, security at Jewel House is tight. There are restrictions on what you can bring into the Tower of London and all visitors are subject to security checks. It is recommended that you leave large bags and rucksacks at home and arrive early to avoid queues.

Visiting the Jewel House at the Tower of London is a fascinating experience that offers an insight into the history and importance of the British monarchy. With interactive exhibits, guided tours and an extensive collection of crown jewels, Jewel House is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and heritage of the royals.

>>> Here you can buy tickets for the Tower of London

History of the Crown Jewels

The British Crown Jewels, or Crown Jewels, are a collection of ceremonial objects that symbolise the British monarchy and its power. The collection includes numerous pieces such as crowns, sceptres, orbs, swords and robes, many of which are set with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and other precious stones. The most famous piece is the crown worn by monarchs at the opening ceremony of the Houses of Parliament.

The history of crown jewellery can be traced back to the 11th century, when William the Conqueror had the crown made for his coronation in 1066. Over the centuries, other monarchs were added to the collection, including Henry VIII, who owned many of the old jewels. The Crown Jewels played an important role in the history of British royalty. They were worn at coronations, acts of state and other ceremonial occasions and were considered a symbol of the monarch’s authority and legitimacy.

During the English Civil War in the 17th century, the Crown Jewels were destroyed or sold by the Commonwealth government, but were returned after the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. In 1671 the Crown Jewels were permanently housed in the Tower of London, where they remain today.

The Tower of London has a long and fascinating history. It was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror as a fortress and royal residence. It was built in the 11th century as a fortress and royal residence. Over the centuries it has also served as a prison and execution site for famous prisoners such as Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes.

Today, the Tower of London is open to the public and visitors can view the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House in the Waterloo Block of the Tower. The collection is strictly protected and is considered one of the most valuable and important collections of gems in the world.

The Crown Jewels contain many remarkable pieces. One of the most famous is the crown worn by the monarch at the opening ceremony of the Houses of Parliament. It was created for the coronation of George VI in 1937 and has been worn by Queen Elizabeth II ever since. The crown contains several notable gemstones, including the Black Prince Ruby, a large red spinel given to Edward, Prince of Wales, by Pedro the Cruel, King of Castile, in the 14th century.

Another notable piece is the Crown of St Edward, which was used for the coronation. The crown is made of gold and set with precious stones, including 444 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 269 pearls. The crown is named after St Edward the Confessor, who ruled England in the 11th century.

The Sovereign Sceptre with Cross is another important piece in the collection. It was created for the coronation of Charles II in 1661 and is one of the oldest pieces in the collection. The sceptre is made of gold and is set with numerous precious stones, including the Cullinan I diamond, the largest cut diamond in the world.

The Tower of London and the Crown Jewels are an important part of British history and culture. The Tower of London represents the power and authority of the British monarchy as well as the long and fascinating history of the Tower of London itself.Whether you are a history buff or a fan of fine jewellery, the Tower of London is definitely worth a visit.

Come to the Tower without a long wait. Is that possible?

A good idea is to buy tickets in advance on the internet. I can’t say this often enough: the waiting time at the ticket office in front of the entrance to the Tower of London is often hours long. On this website you can buy tickets for the Tower of London on the internet in German and in Euros. Cancellations up to one day before the visit are free of charge with this provider. If you book on the internet, the entrance is a few percent cheaper.——>>> Here you can get tickets for the Tower of London


Important parts of the British Crown Jewels

The following are some of the most important British Crown Jewels in the Tower of London.

Imperial State Crown- Worn by the monarch at the opening ceremony of the Houses of Parliament. Contains several notable gemstones, including the Black Prince’s ruby.

St Edward’s Crown – Used at coronations. It is made of gold and set with precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and pearls.

Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross – Made in 1661 for the coronation of Charles II. Cullinan I – Made of gold and decorated with numerous precious stones, including diamonds.

Imperial Orb – Sovereign’s Orb – A symbol of royal power and authority. Made of gold and decorated with precious stones.

Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Necklace – Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Necklace – Created in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Contains 26 large diamonds

.National Sword – Sword of State – Used at coronations. It is made of steel and gold and is set with precious stones.

Coronation Spoon – Used at the coronation ceremony for consecration. Made of gold and decorated with gemstones.

Arm Mills – Part of the coronation regalia. Made of gold and decorated with precious stones

.Ampoule – Armills – used in anointing during the coronation ceremony. Made of gold and decorated with precious stones.

Consecration Spoon – Ampulla – Used during the coronation dedication ceremonies. Made of gold and decorated with precious stones.

The Crown Jewels collection also includes other crowns, sceptres, orbs, swords, robes and other ceremonial items, many of which are set with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and other precious stones.

>>> Here you can buy tickets for the Tower of London

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