See the Crown Jewels

See the spectacular new exhibition in the coronation year

The Crown Jewels have been stored and displayed at the Tower of London since 1661, continuing a long tradition of storing precious objects here.

This magnificent world-famous collection of 23,578 gemstones is part of the Royal Collection and boasts items that are still used in royal ceremonies today.

Now, discover more stories about the Crown Jewels than ever before in a new exhibition exploring their history and significance.

Under guard and still in use

You'll find the Crown Jewels under armed guard in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. These gems are a unique working collection of royal regalia and are still regularly used by the monarch for important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament. Make sure to look out for the 'in use' signs.

A NEW ERA BEGINS

EXPLORE THE ORIGINS OF THE CROWN JEWELS IN THE CORONATION YEAR

As you approach the Treasury, the rooms where most of the Crown Jewels are kept, explore the origins of these spectacular objects including the destruction of the original jewels under Oliver Cromwell.

The new display evokes the spectacle and pageantry of the Coronation procession, before detailing the specific uses of the regalia during the ceremony itself, from the Coronation Spoon to St Edward’s Crown.

Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023

When

Open

Allow one hour

Ticket and exhibition information

Please be aware that photography in the Jewel House is not allowed.

Included in palace admission (members go free)

Buy Tower of London tickets

Things to see

Highlights

A close view of Hazel Dincer (Jewel House Warder) in uniform (face blurred) looking at the Imperial State Crown. (Photographed against a black background.)

The Imperial State Crown in the Treasury.

Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023

The New Jewel House exhibition, showing a general view of Room 1 - Monarch (c).

The state crown frames made for George I, George IV, and Queen Victoria are all on display for the first time in the new Jewel House exhibition.

Image: © Historic Royal Palaces

The New Jewel House exhibition, showing a general view of Room 4 - Procession (c). Objects displayed include the Richmond Herald tabard, part of the Court Dress uniforms of Sir Gerald Woods Woolaston KCB, KCVO (1874-1957). The room is spacious with large display cases.

The Jewel House exhibition. Objects displayed include the Richmond Herald tabard, which is part of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection.

Image: © Historic Royal Palaces

The New Jewel House exhibition, showing a general view of Room 2 - Origins (c).

Displays exploring the origins of the Crown Jewels including the destruction of the original jewels under Oliver Cromwell.

Image: © Historic Royal Palaces

The Crown Jewels

Following their use in the Coronation ceremony of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6 May, the regalia is back on display in the Treasury of the Jewel House.

Appreciate these remarkable objects up close, including the Imperial State Crown, which was worn by His Majesty The King for the procession from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace and features in the official Coronation portraits, as well as St Edward’s Crown, which was used at the moment of crowning.

Also on display will be Queen Mary's Crown, which was made by Garrard for the 1911 Coronation and was modified for Her Majesty Queen Camilla ahead of this year’s Coronation.

Relive the historic service through official imagery from the 2023 ceremony, which also features in the new exhibition.

Explore The Crown Jewels Up Close

NEW FOR 2023: THE JEWEL HOUSE TRANSFORMED

Discover the history and significance of the Crown Jewels in new displays introduced in May 2023, just weeks after the world witnessed the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort.

THE TIMELESSNESS OF MONARCHY

Your experience of the Jewel House will begin with a celebration of the timelessness of monarchy, displaying the State Crown frames worn by past monarchs George I, George IV, and Queen Victoria and explaining how many of the most historic jewels – including the famous ‘Black Prince’s Ruby’ - have passed from crown to crown.

THE ORIGINS OF THE CROWN JEWELS

Learn more about the origins of the current Crown Jewels, starting with the destruction of the medieval Coronation Regalia in 1649, during the English Civil War. The Crown Jewels were destroyed at the Tower after the Civil War and remade for Charles II’s coronation in 1661. They signify the royal authority to lead and protect the nation.

The Coronation Regalia we see today was recreated for the Coronation of King Charles II: only the Coronation Spoon survives as a relic of the earlier medieval collection.

A Commonwealth coin from the era on loan from the British Museum is now on display, demonstrating how the melted gold once worn by medieval monarchs was re-used in the inter-regnum.

The re-presentation of the Jewel House at HM Tower of London was made possible through a partnership between Historic Royal Palaces and Garrard.

The New Jewel House exhibition, showing a general view of Room 2 - Koh-i-Noor (c). Featuring a wall map.

THE HISTORY OF THE KOH-I-NOOR AND THE CULLINAN DIAMOND

Explore the history of the Koh-i-Noor, which is set within the Crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, including the stone’s story as a symbol of conquest, with many previous owners, including Mughal Emperors, Shahs of Iran, Emirs of Afghanistan, and Sikh Maharajas.

See the hammer and knife used to make the first cuts to the famous Cullinan diamond, on display in the Jewel House for the first time. Discovered in South Africa in 1905, the diamond is the largest gem-quality uncut diamond ever found at 3106 carats. It was split into nine major stones and 96 smaller brilliants, with the largest two stones featuring in the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross and the Imperial State Crown.

Image: A display exploring the history of the Koh-i-Noor in the new Jewel House exhibition. © Historic Royal Palaces

THE CORONATION PROCESSION

At the heart of the new display will be a room dedicated to the spectacle, pageantry and community of the Coronation Procession. The display will present Coronation Processions throughout history, celebrating the contributions of the many people who take part in these unique events.

On display will be a series of objects from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, including an exquisite court suit worn at the Coronation of George IV and a herald’s tabard which would have been worn during royal processions.

PRINCE OF WALES'S INVESTITURE CORONET 1969

The Prince of Wales Investiture Coronet of His Majesty the King was added to the Jewel House in February 2020. The coronet, part of the Royal Collection, joined the coronets of two other Princes of Wales.

For his investiture as Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle on 1 July 1969, His Majesty The King wore the contemporary coronet designed by architect and goldsmith Louis Osman. The coronet is made of gold and platinum and set with diamonds and emeralds with a purple velvet and ermine cap of estate.

Alongside the coronet, the rod used in the 1969 investiture, previously made for the 1911 investiture, is also on display.