The Jewelry of Royal Courts: A Glimpse Into the Lives of Monarchs and How to Steal Their Regal Style

Let’s be honest: we’ve all secretly practiced our royal wave while wearing a bath towel as a train. But what if you could borrow a bit of that imperial sparkle for your everyday life? Forget what you think you know about stuffy portraits and formal events—the jewelry of royal courts is a dazzling world of power plays, secret messages, and stones with more drama than a reality TV show. From ruby rings that have seen battles to tiaras with enough firepower to light up a small country, these treasures were the original social media flex. So, whether you’re a history buff or just someone who appreciates a good sparkle, let’s dive into the glittering world of monarchs and their jewels. You might just find the inspiration to add a little royal flair to your own collection.

More Than Bling: Jewelry as a Tool of Power

In the royal court, jewelry was never just an accessory. It was a strategic weapon, a walking billboard that screamed, “I’m in charge, and my army is bigger than yours.” Before TikTok and tabloids, monarchs used gems to project power, forge alliances, and communicate their divine right to rule. The sheer weight and value of the pieces were a not-so-subtle reminder of a kingdom’s wealth and the monarch’s authority. Think of it as the original power suit, but with significantly more diamonds.

A Tour of the Tower: The Crown Jewels Up Close

The most famous collection of royal regalia is, without a doubt, the British Crown Jewels, held at the Tower of London. This priceless collection includes over 100 objects and a mind-boggling 23,000 gemstones. Let’s break down some of the headline acts.

St. Edward’s Crown: The Heavyweight Champion

This is the main event. Used only at the moment of coronation, St. Edward’s Crown is a solid gold frame weighing a neck-straining 2.23kg (nearly 5lbs!). It was made for the coronation of Charles II in 1661 to replace the medieval crown melted down after the execution of Charles I. This is the crown that was most recently placed on the head of King Charles III in 2023, making it the literal heaviest responsibility a monarch bears.

The Imperial State Crown: The All-Star Accessory

If St. Edward’s Crown is for the main ceremony, the Imperial State Crown is for the after-party. This is the crown the monarch wears when leaving Westminster Abbey and at the annual State Opening of Parliament. It’s a glittering marvel set with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls, and 4 rubies. But it’s the famous stones within it that really tell a story:

• The Black Prince’s Ruby: A giant spinel (not actually a ruby!) front and center, said to have been worn in battle by Henry V.
• The Cullinan II Diamond: The second largest stone cut from the magnificent Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found.
• The Stuart Sapphire: A historic blue sapphire that was supposedly smuggled out of the country by King James II when he fled in 1688.

The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross: Home to the World’s Top Diamond

This sceptre has been used at every coronation since 1661, but it got a serious upgrade in 1910 with the addition of the Cullinan I diamond. At 530.2 carats, it’s the largest colorless cut diamond in the world. The Cullinan Diamond’s story is epic in itself—it was so valuable that a replica was sent on a ship guarded by detectives, while the real stone was mailed in a plain box via parcel post. Both arrived safely, proving that sometimes the bravest thing a diamond can do is take a trip through the postal service.

Royal Heirlooms: The Family Jewels That Keep on Giving

Beyond the official Crown Jewels lies the royal family’s personal collection, a treasure trove of heirlooms that get remixed and reinvented by each generation. This is where history meets personal style.

• The Lover’s Knot Tiara: Originally made for Queen Mary in 1913, this pearl-and-diamond stunner was a favorite of Princess Diana and has now become a signature piece for the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton. It’s the perfect blend of classic elegance and romantic whimsy.
• Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring: Perhaps the most famous piece of modern royal jewelry, this 12-carat blue sapphire ring surrounded by diamonds caused a scandal for being a “stock item” from Garrard’s catalogue. Diana chose it herself, and it now adorns the hand of Catherine, Princess of Wales, proving that personal taste often trumps tradition.
• The Cartier Halo Tiara: This delicate tiara was given to the then-Princess Elizabeth for her 18th birthday. It was kept out of the spotlight for decades until it was loaned to Kate Middleton for her wedding to Prince William, giving a vintage piece a new lease on life for a modern princess.

How to Bring Royal Style to Your Jewelry Box

You don’t need a crown to feel like royalty. Here’s how to incorporate regal elegance into your own collection.

Embrace the Tiara (Yes, Really)

While a full-on diamond tiara might be a bit much for the school run, you can capture the same ethereal sparkle with tiara-inspired headbands or delicate halo-style rings that make your center stone look fit for a queen.

Go for Grandiose Gemstones

Take a cue from the royals and opt for bold, colorful gemstones. A statement emerald necklace or a sapphire bracelet channels imperial luxury without requiring you to host a state banquet. Explore our Emerald Jewelry and Sapphire Jewelry collections for pieces with royal-worthy color.

Invest in Heirloom-Quality Pieces

Royal jewelry is built to last for centuries. When you choose fine jewelry from renowned designers like Roberto Coin or Oscar Heyman, you’re not just buying an accessory—you’re starting a legacy. Consider a timeless piece from our Estate & Vintage Jewelry collection that already has a story to tell.

Don’t Shy Away from Symbolism

Like the monarchs of old, let your jewelry tell a story. A charm bracelet can document your personal journey, while a piece from our Crown Jewelry collection is a playful nod to your inner sovereign.

Your Reign Starts Now

From the battlefields of the Middle Ages to the red carpets of today, royal jewelry has always been about more than just looking pretty. It’s a language of power, love, history, and personality. While we might not all have the keys to the Tower of London, we can all tap into that regal spirit by choosing jewelry that makes us feel powerful, elegant, and uniquely ourselves. So go ahead, embrace your inner queen. Your court (and your jewelry box) awaits.

Ready to find a piece worthy of your collection? Explore our exquisite brands or dive into our complete jewelry collection to discover your own royal treasure.