What Are the Crown Jewels
The Crown Jewels refer to the ceremonial objects and regalia held in trust for the monarchy, typically including crowns, sceptres, orbs, swords, and robes. The collection is stored and displayed at secure royal palaces and managed under strict heritage protocols. The Crown Jewels are not owned by the state but are held in right of the Crown, meaning they pass from one sovereign to the next. The collection is used for coronations, state openings of parliament, and other formal royal occasions. The Crown Jewels are insured, but their full replacement value is effectively incalculable because of their historical and symbolic significance. For a general overview of high-value national collections, see Forbes.
Key Pieces and Their Estimated Worth
The Sovereign's Orb, the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross, and the Imperial State Crown are among the most recognized items in the collection. The Imperial State Crown contains the Black Prince's Ruby, a large spinel, and the Stuart Sapphire, along with thousands of diamonds. The Crown Jewels include the Sovereign's Orb, which is a gold globe surmounted by a cross and set with gemstones. The collection also features ceremonial swords such as the Sword of State and the Jewelled Sword of Offering. Official estimates do not publish a single market price, but individual items are valued in the tens to hundreds of millions of pounds. For more on valuation of rare assets, see SEC.
Security and Management
The Crown Jewels are protected by the Tower of London's Royal Armouries and the Yeoman Warders, with round-the-clock armed police presence. Access is controlled through multiple security layers, including baggage screening, identity checks, and restricted viewing areas. The collection is maintained by skilled conservators who monitor temperature, humidity, and light exposure to preserve metals and gemstones. Display cases are made of laminated glass and steel, and some items are stored in vaults with reinforced doors. The management of the Crown Jewels follows protocols set by the Royal Household and relevant heritage bodies. For an example of high-security asset management, see SpaceX.