Unraveling the politics behind our rides
Known as the Koh-i-Noor, the famous diamond has been part of the crowns worn by many women in the royal family.
The original diamond belonged to the Sikh kingdom, but the British East India Company forced them to surrender it in 1849 during the Second Anglo-Sikh War.
Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India, then gave the Koh-i-Noor diamond to the monarchy.
Following the English Civil War (1642-1651) and the execution of Charles I, the monarchy was abolished, and Oliver Cromwell became Lord Protector of the Commonwealth.
Cromwell ordered the Crown Jewels to be melted down or sold. The coronation spoon survived because its buyer returned it after the restoration of the monarchy in 1660.
It's believed that King John lost an early collection of the jewels in 1216, while traveling across an estuary known as the Wash.
Seeing as the Crown Jewels have never been put on sale, and probably never will, it’s practically impossible to accurately value them.
Sources: (Mental Floss) (Culture Trip)
See also: Treasures of the Royal Collection
This led to gemstones from the Crown Jewels being hidden inside a biscuit tin, which was buried under Windsor Castle. They remained there for the duration of the war.
The second crown is known as the Imperial State Crown, and it's also the one worn on state occasions, such as the yearly Opening of Parliament.
The crown worn during the coronation is called the St. Edward's Crown, and it's only used for that purpose. The newly crowned monarch wears a different one when leaving Westminster Abbey.
With the threat of both bombings and a potential German invasion of Britain, the Crown Jewels had to be kept safe during WWII.
Because only a few items had survived, a new set of Crown Jewels were needed following the monarchy's restoration.
The latest addition to the collection is a set of 22-karat gold armills, which were gifted to Queen Elizabeth II for her 1953 coronation.
Estimated to be from the 12th century, the coronation spoon is the oldest of the Crown Jewels.
In 1660, Charles II ordered the creation of new regalia based on the originals, which were used at his coronation the following year. The majority of the Crown Jewels used today are from this time.
The Honours of Scotland were eventually returned to Edinburgh Castle, where they were locked away after England and Scotland came together as the United Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. Sir Walter Scott rediscovered them at the castle in 1818.
During the coronation ceremony, the spoon is filled with holy oil, which has been consecrated in Jerusalem. The oil is then used to anoint the monarch.
The destruction of the English Crown Jewels sparked fear among the Scots. So they hid their Crown Jewels around Scotland until the English monarchy was restored.
Just a decade after they were created, the Crown Jewels were almost stolen. A wanted man at the time, Thomas Blood and his accomplices managed to seize St. Edward’s Crown, the Sceptre with Cross, and the Sovereign’s Orb before getting caught.
The Crown Jewels were previously kept in Westminster Abbey, but a number of attempted thefts saw them transferred to the Tower of London in the 14th century.
The largest, Cullinan I, forms part of the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross.
The Crown Jewels collectively refer to 23,578 precious and semi-precious stones owned by King Charles III.
From robes to swords, and, of course, crowns, the Crown Jewels are embedded in over 140 items.
The second largest, Cullinan II, is embedded in the Imperial State Crown.
Surprisingly, instead of sending Blood (pictured) to prison, King Charles II pardoned him and granted him land in Ireland.
In 1905, the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond, the largest uncut diamond ever found, was unearthed in today's South Africa. The two largest clear-cut diamonds from the gemstone are part of the Crown Jewels.
After Prince Albert had it recut, his wife, Queen Victoria, wore the Koh-i-Noor as a brooch. The stone later became part of the Crown Jewels.
For several decades, many countries have claimed ownership of the Koh-i-Noor, but the British government has refused to return it.
There have been many attempts throughout the centuries to find the lost jewels. But all the efforts have been without success to date.
The epitome of wealth and opulence, the majority of the precious Crown Jewels date back centuries. And, of course, they're filled with both history and controversy. From an attempted theft to its World War II hiding spot and colonial disputes, they've been through more than you'd imagine!
Intrigued? Click through this gallery to discover more about this collection of ceremonial objects and royal regalia.
Surprising facts about the Crown Jewels
The Crown Jewels embody all the excess and extravagance of the British monarchy
LIFESTYLE British royal family
The epitome of wealth and opulence, the majority of the precious Crown Jewels date back centuries. And, of course, they're filled with both history and controversy. From an attempted theft to its World War II hiding spot and colonial disputes, they've been through more than you'd imagine!
Intrigued? Click through this gallery to discover more about this collection of ceremonial objects and royal regalia.