Throughout history, royalty has adorned themselves with gemstones as symbols of power, divine right, and national wealth. From ancient Egyptian pharaohs to modern European monarchs, rulers have commissioned spectacular jewels adorned with the finest gems to demonstrate their authority and magnificence.
Perhaps the most famous royal collection, the British Crown Jewels contain some of the world's most exceptional gemstones. The Imperial State Crown alone features 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 269 pearls. The star attraction is the Cullinan II diamond (317 carats), the second-largest stone cut from the original Cullinan Diamond. Another notable piece is St. Edward's Sapphire, a deep blue gemstone that has adorned royal regalia since the 11th century.
The Russian Imperial collection once contained extraordinary pieces like the Great Imperial Crown, created for Catherine the Great's coronation in 1762. This masterpiece features nearly 5,000 diamonds and an enormous 398.72-carat spinel. The Romanovs also commissioned spectacular pieces from Fabergé, many adorned with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires that exemplified Russian opulence and craftsmanship.
Asian royalty embraced different gemstone traditions. Indian maharajas amassed extraordinary collections of diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. The Peacock Throne of the Mughal emperors reportedly contained the Koh-i-Noor diamond (now part of the British Crown Jewels) and the Timur Ruby. Thai royalty traditionally favored rubies and sapphires, while Chinese imperial collections showcased extraordinary jade pieces, considered more valuable than gold.
Many royal gemstones have fascinating histories, changing hands through conquest, marriage, or purchase. Some carry legendary curses or blessing, while others have witnessed coronations, wars, and revolutions. Today, royal jewel collections continue to capture public imagination, drawing millions of visitors to displays around the world and inspiring contemporary jewelry design.