What are the Crown Jewels?
The Crown Jewels are the ceremonial objects used by British monarchs, including crowns, sceptres, orbs and swords. They are kept in the Jewel House at the Tower of London and are used at coronations and state events.
Most of the medieval regalia was destroyed after the execution of Charles I in 1649. The collection was remade for the coronation of Charles II in 1661.
The collection includes more than 100 objects and around 23,000 precious stones.
Famous pieces
St Edward's Crown is used to crown the monarch at the coronation. It is made of solid gold and weighs more than two kilograms.
The Imperial State Crown, worn at the State Opening of Parliament, contains the Cullinan II diamond, the Black Prince's Ruby and the St Edward's Sapphire.
The Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross contains the Cullinan I diamond, also known as the Great Star of Africa, one of the largest cut diamonds in the world. Visitors view the jewels from a moving walkway in the Jewel House.
Some pieces are still used regularly, and the jewels are removed from display when needed for state occasions.