Current:Home > FinanceBow Down to These Dazzling Facts About the Crown Jewels -GrowthProspect
Bow Down to These Dazzling Facts About the Crown Jewels
View
Date:2025-04-12 16:20:14
You best believe King Charles III will be making the whole place shimmer at Westminster Abbey May 6.
For the United Kingdom's first coronation ceremony in over 70 years, the monarchy is pulling out all the stops—and adornments—for Charles and Queen Camilla's big day. An integral part of the even? The Crown Jewels, which serve an essential role in anointing the new ruling monarch.
On display in the Tower of London, the collection, much of it created on the orders of King Charles II in 1661, includes pieces will be making a rare outing for the special event. Along with two crowns—one of which was last used during Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, while the other contains the largest uncut diamond in the world—regalia such as a 674-year-old spoon will be presented to the new king during his investiture. Plus, one key artifact that is being transported from Scotland to England for the special occasion: The Stone of Destiny.
So, break out some sunglasses as we prepare to blind you with these details about the Crown Jewels:
Last used for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, this crown will be placed on King Charles III's head at the moment of his coronation.
Made for Charles II in 1661, St. Edward's Crown replaced its medieval predecessor that was melted down in 1649. It's made of solid gold and contains rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnet, topazes and tourmalines. Worth a reported £2.5million, royal correspondent Sharon Carpenter revealed to E! News that the piece weighs five pounds.
While he was just 4 years old when his mother was crowned with the same diadem, Carpenter said it was "a significant moment" in Charles' life. "It really stuck with him."
Crafted for the coronation of King George VI in 1937, this crown replaced the one that was made for Queen Victoria in 1838. Made of gold and containing 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls, and four rubies, this piece contains some of the most famous jewels in the collection: The Black Prince's Ruby, the Stuart Sapphire, and the Cullinan II diamond.
The Imperial State Crown is worn by the monarch as he departs Westminster Abbey after the coronation and is also used on other State occasions because it is a lot "lighter" than St. Edward's, Carpenter explained. "It's more along the lines of three pounds."
Made in the 12th century, the Coronation Spoon is one of the oldest objects in the Crown Jewels and is used to anoint the sovereign with holy oil.
Used at every coronation since Charles II was crowned in 1661, the 530.2-carat Cullinan I—which is the biggest part of the largest uncut diamond ever found at 3,106 carats—was added to the Sceptre in 1910 for George V.
During the ceremony, King Charles will be presented with objects representing their powers and responsibilities, which is called the investiture. Made in 1661 and mounted with clusters of emeralds, rubies and sapphires, the Orb is a golden globe surmounted by a rose-cut diamond-encrusted cross to remind that the monarch's power is derived from God.
In addition to the Coronation Spoon, the Sceptre and the Imperial State Crown, the Orb was last seen on top of Queen Elizabeth II's casket, Carpenter noted. "People are going to be thinking about Queen Elizabeth because the last time the royals gathered together in this kind of way was to say goodbye to Queen Elizabeth at her funeral Westminster Abbey," the royal expert explained. "She's certainly going to be on people's minds and I'm sure we are going to see various other nods to the late queen in various different ways."
Also referred to as the Stone of Destiny, this historic piece has been moved from Scotland to England for Charles' coronation. Weighing 336 pounds and made of sandstone, the Stone of Scone was used to anoint Scottish kings until Edward I seized it more than 700 years ago. It was returned to its native country in 1996 and, after Charles is crowned sitting in it, it will be taken back to Edinburgh.
Watch E! News weeknights Monday through Thursday at 11 p.m., only on E!.veryGood! (12152)
Related
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Banana Republic Outlet’s 50% off Everything Sale, Plus an Extra 20% Is Iconic - Get a $180 Coat for $72
- Why Sean Diddy Combs Sex Trafficking Case Was Reassigned to a New Judge
- Judge denies an order sought by a Black student who was punished over his hair
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Boy Meets World's Maitland Ward Details Set Up Rivalry Between Her & Danielle Fishel
- Several states may see northern lights this weekend: When and where could aurora appear?
- Colorado judge who sentenced election denier Tina Peters to prison receives threats
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- WWE Bad Blood 2024 live results: Winners, highlights and analysis of matches
Ranking
- Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
- A year into the Israel-Hamas war, students say a chill on free speech has reached college classrooms
- Nick Saban teases Marshawn Lynch about Seahawks pass on 1-yard line in Super Bowl 49
- 2 sisters from Egypt were among those killed in Mexican army shooting
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Rape survivor and activist sues ex-Michigan State coach Mel Tucker for defamation
- Jason Momoa Gets Flirty in Girlfriend Adria Arjoa's Comments Section
- Neighbors of Bitcoin Mine in Texas File Nuisance Lawsuit Over Noise Pollution
Recommendation
Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
Death toll from Hurricane Helene rises to 227 as grim task of recovering bodies continues
Anne Hathaway’s Reaction to The Princess Diaries 3 Announcement Proves Miracles Happen
Arizona voters will decide on establishing open primaries in elections
Small twin
Curbside ‘Composting’ Is Finally Citywide in New York. Or Is It?
Costco says it cut prices on some Kirkland Signature products in earnings call
Early Amazon Prime Day Travel Deals as Low as $4—86% Off Wireless Phone Chargers, Luggage Scales & More