In the United Kingdom, the Crown Jewels are the regalia used in the coronations of Monarchs and at various other state occasions. They are held by the Sovereign and housed in the Tower of London.
The Crown Jewels
The Crown Jewels include Crowns, Sceptres, Swords, Spurs, and various other elements. Most were destroyed by Oliver Cromwell when the monarchy was overthrown and a Protectorate was established. Upon the Restoration of Charles II, most of the regalia were remade in the same fashion as they formerly existed.
Crowns
There exist various Crowns in the collection of Crown Jewels, some of which are used by every Sovereign, others being made personally for Sovereigns or their wives.
St Edward's Crown was made in 1661. Made of gold, its design consists of four crosses pattee and four fleurs-de-lis, with two arches on top. Surmounting the arches is a jewelled cross pattee. The Crown includes 444 semi-precious stones. It is used through most of the coronation ceremony.
The Imperial State Crown was made in 1937 for King George VI, and was similar to another made in 1838 for Queen Victoria. The present Crown is made of platinum and includes four crosses pattee and four fleurs-de-lis, with two arches on top, surmounted by a cross pattee. The Crown includes several jewels: 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies. Among the stones are several famous ones, including the Black Prince's Ruby and the Cullinan II diamond, also known as the Lesser Star of Africa. It is worn after the conclusion of the Coronation ceremony when the monarch leaves Westminster Abbey, and also at the annual State Opening of Parliament.
Queens consort, that is, wives of Kings, received a new Crown during the coronation. The Queen Mother's crown, which she wore at the coronation of King George VI, included the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond. The Crown was also worn during Elizabeth II's coronation and rested on top of the Queen's casket during her funeral.
The Orb and Sceptres
Two Sceptres used by the Sovereign form a part of the regalia:
The Sceptre with the Cross, was made in 1661, and is so called because it is surmounted by a cross. In 1905, it was redesigned to incorporate the Cullinan I, also known as the Great Star of Africa, which at over 530 carats, is the largest cut diamond in the world. During the coronation, the monarch bears the Sceptre with the Cross in the right hand.
The Sceptre with the Dove, was also made in 1661, and atop it is a dove symbolising the Holy Ghost. While the Sceptre with the Cross is borne in the right hand, the Sceptre with the Dove is borne in the left one. At the same time as the Sovereign holds both Sceptres, he or she is crowned with St Edward's Crown.
The Orb is a hollow golden sphere made in 1661. There is a band of jewels running along the centre, and a half-band on the top hemisphere. Surmounting the orb is a jewelled Cross representing the Sovereign's role as Defender of the Faith. For a part of the coronation, it is borne in the Sovereign's right hand.
Swords
Five Swords are used during the coronation.
The Jewelled Sword of State was made for the Coronation of King George IV. Its jewels occur in the shapes of the floral symbols of the United Kingdom: the rose for England, the thistle for Scotland, and the shamrock for Ireland. It is the only sword actually presented to the Sovereign during the Coronation; the others are merely borne in front of the Sovereign.
The Sword of State is distinct from the Jewelled Sword. It is the largest sword in the collection, and is borne in front of the Monarch by the Lord Great Chamberlain both at the coronation and at the State Opening of Parliament.
There also exist the Sword of Spiritual Justice, the Sword of Temporal Justice, and the Sword of Mercy, which has a blunt point.