The Crown Jewels of the monarchy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are today kept in the Tower of London and date mostly to the 17th century CE, with a few later sparkling additions such as the Koh-i-Noor and Cullinan diamonds. The regalia does, though, include several medieval articles and many of the gemstones have a much older (and often darker) history than the crowns and scepters in which they today find themselves.
Kings have given themselves crowns ever since antiquity, but in England, it was really William the Conqueror in 1066 CE who began the trend for lavish display, especially during the coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey, a tradition followed by almost all monarchs ever since. The Crown Jewels includes some unusual items besides the traditional crowns, scepters, and orbs, such as spoons, swords, spurs, and salt cellars. The Crown Jewels are on permanent public display, but they do make occasional appearances in grander settings such as the State Opening of Parliament and state banquets.
Ever since ‘Colonel’ Blood infamously attempted to steal the Crown Jewels in 1671 CE when they were stored in the Lower Martin Tower of the Tower of London, attempts have been made to improve their security. Visitors today can admire the treasures in the Jewel House inside the Waterloo Barracks and stand on a moving walkway which, somewhat tantalizingly, transports them gently past the glittering glass display cases.
For a more select audience, many of the pieces of the Crown Jewels can be seen in action at state events. Queen Elizabeth II continues to wear many of the jewels personally or to permit other members of the royal family to do so at such events as state banquets to receive visiting heads of state.
Now you might not be able to wear this set of jewellery, for obvious reasons, but you can find great sets of jewellery for you or for your loved ones. How you ask? By using addyp.com. By going to addyp.com’s specialized jewellery & gems category, you can find any type of bling-bling you want. So go on help yourself at the expense of addyp.com