The Fascinating History Behind the Most Famous Royal Jewels

No matter where you live or where you're from, royal families have always fascinated the public. We’re drawn to their personal lives—the romance, the scandals, and the trends they set.

While most people may never own the extraordinary jewelry worn by royalty, we can still admire its beauty and rarity. Some of the jewelry worn by famous royalty has been passed down through the generations, while other pieces have been acquired in more modern history. Either way, they have a story to tell.

1. The Imperial State Crown (United Kingdom)

The Imperial State Crown is worn by the British monarch during the State Opening of Parliament and is set with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 269 pearls. It may just be the most adorned royal piece of jewelry in existence. The most famous gem on the Imperial State Crown is the Cullinan II diamond, which is known as the Second Star of Africa. This diamond is 317.4 carats and originates from the Cullinan diamonds, which was the largest piece of rough diamond to ever be found in a gem quality. The crown is also set with the Black Prince’s Ruby, which is a large spinel that has been linked back to the 14th century, and St. Edward’s Sapphire. Although the Imperial State Crown has been changed throughout the years, it remains one of the most prized possessions of the British Royal Family. 

2. The Hope Diamond (Formerly Owned by European Royalty)

The Hope Diamond is one of the most legendary gemstones in history. Weighing in at 45.52 carats, this deep blue diamond glows under UV light. Believed to have originated from India’s Kollur Mine, this gemstone changed hands among wealthy European owners before ultimately reaching France and King Louis XIV. Once there, it was cut and added to the royal collection—until the chaos of the French Revolution led to its theft. Over the years, it changed hands again several times, eventually landing with American socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean.  

Beyond its stunning beauty, the Hope Diamond is infamous for its alleged curse, rumored to have started when it was stolen from a sacred temple. Many of its owners faced misfortune, adding to its eerie reputation. Today, however, it’s safely housed in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., where visitors can admire it without the fear of the curse passing along to them. 

3. The Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara (United Kingdom)

The Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara was worn by Princess Diana and is now often worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales. It was designed by Queen Mary in 1913 to replicate a piece previously owned by her grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse. The Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara has a design of diamond bows that hold a pearl. Queen Mary passed it down to her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, who allowed Princess Diana to wear it. After Princess Diana passed away, it was not worn again until Catherine. 

4. The Swedish Cameo Tiara (Sweden)

While we don’t hear too much about the Swedish Royal Family, they do have a fairly impressive tiara. The Swedish Cameo Tiara was originally gifted to Empress Josephine from Napoleon Bonaparte. It ended up in the Swedish Royal Family through marriage and was given to Queen Silvia, who wore it at her wedding. The tiara is edged in gold and has seven cameos of classical mythology, which is unusual since most tiaras are set with diamonds, pearls, and other precious gemstones. Since becoming part of the Swedish Royal Family, it is now a tradition for it to be worn at weddings by the royal princesses. 

5. The Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara (United Kingdom)

Worn by Princess Eugenie at her 2018 wedding, the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara was designed by Boucheron in 1919 in the style of traditional Russian jewelry for Dame Margaret Greville. She then passed it along to Queen Elizabeth, which is how it came to reside with the royal family. The tiara is set with a 93.70 carat emerald and is surrounded by diamonds.

6. The Danish Ruby Parure (Denmark)

Originally part of the French royal jewelry collection, the Danish Ruby Parure is not a single piece of jewelry, but actually a collection that includes a tiara, necklace, earrings, and brooch. All of the items in this collection are set with rubies and diamonds. It was given to Princess Lovisa of Sweden in 1869 as a wedding gift and has since then been passed down through the generations of the royal family. Recently it has been worn by Queen Margrethe II at official events. 

7. The Koh-i-Noor Diamond (United Kingdom)

The Koh-i-Noor, meaning “Mountain of Light,” is a 105.6 carat diamond that has a long history dating back to the 14th century. It passed through the hands of various rulers in Persia and India before it was eventually purchased by the British East India Company. In 1850, it was gifted to Queen Victoria and later was cut to enhance its brilliance. Today, it remains set in the Queen Mother’s Crown, on display in the Tower of London. Some believe the Koh-i-Noor carries a curse—but only for male wearers—so, to be on the safe side, it has only been worn by female royals.  

8. The Cartier Indian Tiara (United Kingdom)

Designed by Cartier in 1923, this tiara was crafted for Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain and resembles lace, made with platinum and diamonds. It is quite different from the majority of designs for royal tiaras and has Indian influence. 

9. The Russian Nuptial Tiara (Russia)

Created for the Romanov dynasty, the Russian Nuptial Tiara has hundreds of diamonds set in both silver and gold. It has been worn by many members of the Russian royals at their weddings and is considered one of the most famous pieces of jewelry in Russian royal history.

Royalty will always captivate us, but many of us may not be familiar with the rich history and intricate details behind most of these royal jewels. They each have their own history and unique design, from the Imperial State Crown, set with thousands of diamonds and gemstones, to the Koh-i-Noor Diamond, which has a complicated past. Whether passed down through generations or more recently acquired, they each have found a home with a family that will cherish them and continue to pass them down to future members of their royal family.

While we may never get to wear them, we can certainly appreciate their beauty.