Crown Jewels on Display for Diamond Jubilee, Olympics

Here is a quick glimpse of some of the jewels set to go on display at The Tower of London.

Around 2.5 million visitors flock to the historic landmark every year to see the bejeweled accessories and it is expected that the Diamond Jubilee and Olympic Games will attract even greater numbers.

New music, improved lighting and restored film footage of the Queen's coronation in 1953 are just some of the highlights of the newly rearranged exhibition which opens to the public tomorrow.

The Imperial State Crown of India, which contains over 6000 diamonds, is prepared for the new exhibition of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London

For more than six hundred years kings and queens of England have stored crowns, robes, jewels and other valuable items at the Tower of London, built on the north bank of the River Thames.

 

There are 23,578 gems in the collection and the Imperial State Crown alone holds 2,969 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires and 11 emeralds.

Some of the diamonds are bigger than walnuts, including the Cullinan I, found in 1905 and once the largest uncut diamond ever discovered, as well as the the 105-carat Koh-i-Noor discovered in India.

The Exeter Salt, crafted in 1630 and set with over 70 gemstones including emeralds, rubies, amethysts, sapphires and turquoises will go on display

The Queen Consorts ring set with a large ruby (above) and the Sovereign's Sceptre containing the largest flawless cut diamond in the world (below)

The entire display features a large variety of crowns, sceptres, orbs, swords, and rings, many of which are still used today by the Queen in national ceremonies including the annual State Opening of Parliament.

 

Marking the Diamond Jubilee, the exhibition presents items in the order that they were used in the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, with information detailing how they were used and the symbolism of each object.

Michael Day, Chief Executive of Historic Royal Palaces, said: 'The Crown Jewels, renowned for their beauty and historical significance, capture the imagination of visitors worldwide.

'With all eyes on London in 2012 for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games, this display will enable us to showcase Britain’s most prized treasures in all their glory.'

The new display formally opens to visitors on Thursday, and for the first time visually-impaired visitors will be able to ‘see’ the Crown Jewels thanks to new 3D models.

For more than six hundred years kings and queens of England have stored valuable items at the Tower of London, located on the north bank of the River Thames

Queen Victoria's small diamond crown was created at the request of Queen Victoria in 1870