Which Royal Jewel Is Really the Oldest? Inside the Crown Jewels' Secret Stars

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Royals (2 / 1) 26.04.2026 12:00 / Günter

Coronation Relics You Don’t Often See

Among the regalia is a 12th-century coronation spoon used by the Archbishop of Canterbury for anointing; it survived the Civil War thanks to a royal official who later returned it. The sovereign's sceptres — one with a cross and one topped by a dove — date to 1661; the cross sceptre is lavishly set with hundreds of stones and later received the famous Cullinan I diamond in 1910. The orb, also from 1661, and the sovereign's ring (made in 1831 and used since 1901) are other rarely worn symbols of rule.

Controversial and Cherished Gems

The Timur ruby, traced to the 14th century and renamed after Timur, entered the royal collection around 1851 but was revealed to be a 361-carat red spinel and is seldom displayed. Garrard’s coronation necklace and matching earrings—heirlooms since Queen Victoria—feature dozens of diamonds and the Lahore pendant; the Darnley jewel, a 1571 heart-shaped piece, links back to Margaret Douglas and ambitions for James VI.