Jewellery worth hundreds of millions in the king’s private collection
A 94.4-carat pear-cut diamond will have an unexpected starring role in the coronation of King Charles III. The stone will sit in the centrepiece of the crown worn by Camilla, the Queen Consort, replacing the Koh-i-noor, the better known but controversial jewel that was plundered from India.
Unlike the Koh-i-noor, the replacement diamond is not part of the state-owned crown jewels. In fact, the Cullinan III is one of two large diamonds known as the Lesser Stars of Africa – the second being the Cullinan IV – that were privately owned by the late queen. They usually sit in what is probably the most valuable brooch in the world; one that, with its royal connections, could be worth well over £180m. They are also now the stars of what are likely to be the king’s own treasure chest of gems.
Separating Queen Elizabeth’s private jewels from those that are state-owned is not easy: they were often worn alongside each other. But through careful analysis the Guardian has identified more than 90 pieces that made up the queen’s personal collection. They are some of the most valuable adornments in the world, including diamonds, emeralds, rubies, amethysts, aquamarines and strings of pearls, all of which shine from parures of some of the finest necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches, watches and, of course, tiaras ever made.
Cost of the crown is an investigation into royal wealth and finances. The series, published ahead of the coronation of King Charles III, is seeking to overcome centuries of secrecy to better understand how the royal family is funded, the extent to which individual members have profited from their public roles, and the dubious origins of some of their wealth. The Guardian believes it is in the public interest to
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