Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Sovereign of the United Kingdom and Head of more than 14 Commonwealth countries, passed away on 8th September 2022 after serving 70 years on the British throne.

At the time of her death, her personal assets including investments and real estate were valued at an estimated $500 million.

However, her personal wealth differed from the Crown-owned assets. The British monarchy owns the Crown Jewels as an institution, not the monarch in a private capacity.

In this blog, we focus specifically on the Crown Jewels owned by the British Monarchy.

What Are the Crown Jewels?

The Crown Jewels form a collection of precious and semi-precious stones gathered from around the world. Today, they represent Britain’s most valuable treasures and symbolize centuries of history and tradition.

The jewels remain securely guarded in the Tower of London. The collection includes more than 100 objects and around 23,000 gemstones. Some of the most notable pieces include:

◈ The Black Prince’s Ruby: A large red spinel weighing 170 carats, originally from Afghanistan.

◈ The Stuart Sapphire: A 104-carat blue sapphire discovered in Kashmir.

◈ The Cullinan II Diamond: Cut from the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found in South Africa.

Among all the diamonds in the Royal Collection, one stands above the rest — The Koh-i-Noor Diamond.

The Story of the Famed Koh-i-Noor Diamond

The name Koh-i-Noor means “Mountain of Light.” This legendary diamond carries a long and complex history.

The diamond originated in the Kollur Mines during the Kakatiya Dynasty in Southern India. Historical records later mention it as part of the Mughal Peacock Throne.

Over the centuries, several rulers possessed the stone. Eventually, Maharaja Duleep Singh handed it over to Queen Victoria under the Last Treaty of Lahore. In 1852, experts re-cut it into an oval brilliant diamond under British supervision.

Because of its turbulent history, many people believe the diamond carries a curse. Nevertheless, it remains one of the most recognized stones in the world.

Since India gained independence in 1947, the governments of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have claimed ownership. However, the stone continues to remain in the British Royal Collection.

What Are the Crown Jewels Worth?

Experts estimate the value of the Crown Jewels at between $4–6 billion.

Although historians cannot assign an exact figure due to their cultural significance, the collection represents immense financial and symbolic value.

Who Protects the Crown Jewels?

The Crown Jewels remain under armed guard in the Jewel House at the Tower of London.

Every year, millions of visitors view the jewels. Therefore, the British institution itself takes responsibility for their protection and preservation.

Who Will Inherit the Queen’s Jewels?

Queen Elizabeth II passed her personal jewelry to members of the Windsor family according to her will.

However, the Crown Jewels belong to the monarchy as heirlooms. King Charles III now holds them as the reigning monarch and may loan pieces to other royal family members when required.

Clearly, these treasures highlight the timeless allure of natural diamonds and the deep cultural value they carry.

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