5 Crown Jewels: The Orb and Sceptre & Crowns For The Coronation

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They are one of the richest expressions of sovereign magnificence

The Crown Jewels are the most complete collection of royal regalia, made up of orbs, sceptres, crowns, gold and silver-gilt banqueting, and an altar plate. With King Charles III's Coronation right around the corner, we take a look at the nation's most popular treasures — and see which ones are set to feature on the special day.

The Crown Jewels are safely kept in the Tower of London under the watchful eye of the Yeoman Warders. One of the richest expressions of sovereign magnificence, they span almost a thousand years and are continuing to be used at coronation services and the State Opening of Parliament.

According to the Royal Collection Trust, most of the Crown Jewels were made for Charles II's coronation in 1661 and later added to at definitive moments during the history of the monarchy.

The Sovereign's Orb — symbolises the Christian world with its cross mounted on a globe — is mounted with clusters of emeralds, rubies and sapphires surrounded by rose-cut diamonds, and single rows of pearls. It also features bands of jewels dividing it up into three sections that represent the three continents known in medieval times.

At King Charles' Coronation, the Orb will be placed in the right hand of the King as he is invested with the symbols of sovereignty. It is then placed on the altar before the moment of crowning.

The Coronation Spoon is one of the oldest objects in the Crown Jewels. At the Coronation, the Spoon will be used to anoint King Charles with holy oil — the most sacred part of the Coronation ceremony.

According to Historic Royal Palaces, the "Coronation Spoon survived Parliament's destruction of the Crown Jewels in 1649 because it was bought by a man called Clement Kynnersley. Kynnersley had been an official of the royal wardrobe of Charles I, and was one of the commissioners who organised the sale of the late king's goods.

"After the Restoration in 1660, Kynnersley returned the Coronation Spoon to Charles II, no doubt hoping to win back royal favour".

King Charles III will wear the St Edward's Crown when he is officially declared as the King during his Coronation. This will be the first and only time that Charles will wear this particular crown. Made of solid gold and weighing five pounds, it contains 444 gemstones, including rubies, sapphires, garnets and tourmalines.

Key facts about St Edward's Crown include:

The Imperial State Crown, which appeared on Queen Elizabeth II's coffin, is made of gold and set with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls, and four rubies. It contains some of the most famous jewels in the collection, such as the Black Prince's Ruby, the Stuart Sapphire, and the Cullinan II diamond. It was originally made for the coronation of King George VI in 1937, replacing the crown made for Queen Victoria in 1838.

The Crown will be worn by King Charles as he leaves Westminster Abbey and has also be used on other State occasions, including the annual State Opening of Parliament.

The Sceptre, which has been used at every coronation since 1661, was transformed in 1910 for George V by the addition of the spectacular Cullinan I diamond — the largest colourless cut diamond in the world.

The Sceptre represents the sovereign's temporal power and is associated with good governance. It comprises a gold rod, formed in three sections, with enamelled collars at the intersections, surmounted by an enamelled heart-shaped structure. During the Coronation, King Charles will be presented with two sceptres. After the investiture, he will then be crowned.

The Coronation Gin is the latest creation from Gin In A Tin, made in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces. We love the beautiful design, which features a magnificent gold foiled crown, adorned with the iconic symbols of the four nations of the United Kingdom: a classic English rose, a traditional Scottish thistle, a springtime Welsh daffodil and the delicate Irish shamrock.

Upon sipping, you will notice distinctive notes of coriander, cardamom, lemon peel and botanicals centred around juniper berries. This tipple makes for the ultimate royal celebration drink, particularly when making a classic gin cocktail.

Raise your cuppa to our new King with Emma Bridgewater's commemorative mug. Perfect for fans to snap up in time for the Coronation.

Keep your teabags safe and secure in this colourful caddy. Featuring King Charles' official cypher and rows of miniature crowns, it's available to purchase for just £10.

This fabulous appliquéd and hand-embroidered cushion celebrates the Coronation in style. A beautiful keepsake to treasure for years to come.

This commemorative mug features the words 'King Charles Coronation' and includes an illustration of a crown surrounded by Union Jack flags. It's perfect to add to your Coronation memorabilia collection.

Featuring King Charles' official cypher, this handprinted mug from Etsy is a wonderful keepsake for the coronation of the King.

These stylish crown studs are an original design by jewellery artist Francesca Stella, hand-crafted in her studio in Cornwall using your choice of ethical gold.

The design is available exclusively on the Country Living Marketplace and can have the Coronation commemorative hallmark applied to them upon request before purchase.

Raise your morning coffee to our new King with Emma Bridgewater's appropriate 1/2 pint mug.

Printed and made in Great Britain, this Coronation commemorative tea towel celebrates King Charles III's favourite flower, the Delphinium, and his love of nature. It's made from 100% sustainably farmed cotton and is printed using reactive inks that are free from harmful chemicals.

Don't start your Coronation party without these Union Jack bunting napkins from Emma Bridgewater.

Protect your coffee table from spills and stains with this King Charles III coaster. Made from beech, it features the King's official cypher.

We love this commemorative mug which features an official portrait of King Charles III. It's the perfect souvenir to get your hands on ahead of the Coronation.

Enjoy your morning brew in this King Charles III Coronation mug. Embellished with 22 carat gold, it features the silhouette of the King on the front and back, and is decorated with vine motifs and a beautiful deep blue colour.

This commemorative tea towel features an official portrait of the King alongside the words 'King Charles III, 8th September 2022'.

Hang this King Charles Coronation flag at your street party to celebrate our new monarch.

Give your kitchen cupboards the royal treatment with this set of two King and Queen mug from Emma Bridgewater. Each set comes presented in a box.

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