How many crown jewels are there?
The term “crown jewels” refers to a collection of precious objects that are typically owned by a monarchy. These items are often considered to be of great historical, cultural, and symbolic importance. The number of crown jewels can vary significantly from one monarchy to another, but it is a topic that fascinates many people around the world. In this article, we will explore the different collections of crown jewels and the number of items they contain.
Crown jewels have been a part of royal traditions for centuries, serving as a symbol of power and wealth. The most famous collection of crown jewels is that of the British monarchy, which is housed in the Tower of London. The British crown jewels include a collection of crowns, scepters, orbs, and various other regalia that have been used in coronations and royal ceremonies since the 17th century.
The British crown jewels are said to number around 140 items, although this figure can vary slightly depending on how one defines an item. The collection includes iconic items such as the Imperial State Crown, which is worn by the Queen on certain state occasions, and the Crown of Queen Elizabeth II, which was made for her coronation in 1953.
Another notable collection of crown jewels is that of the Russian monarchy, which was once housed in the Kremlin. The Russian crown jewels included a vast array of precious stones, gold, and silver items, as well as several famous jewels such as the Orlov Diamond and the Star of India. The exact number of items in the Russian collection is difficult to determine, as many of the jewels were lost or stolen during the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Soviet era.
In addition to the British and Russian collections, other monarchies around the world have their own crown jewels. For example, the Spanish crown jewels are housed in the Royal Palace of Madrid and include a collection of jewels, gold, and silver items that date back to the 16th century. The exact number of items in the Spanish collection is not publicly known, but it is believed to be substantial.
The number of crown jewels can also vary within a single monarchy. For instance, the French crown jewels were once one of the most famous collections in the world, but many of the items were sold off during the French Revolution. The remaining jewels are now housed in the Louvre Museum, and the collection is estimated to include around 70 items.
In conclusion, the number of crown jewels can vary significantly from one monarchy to another. The British collection is the most well-known, with around 140 items, while other collections, such as those of Russia and Spain, may contain fewer items. Regardless of the number, crown jewels continue to be a symbol of the power and history of the monarchies that own them.
