The crown jewels

This sumptuous book captures the magnificence of a collection of symbolic objects steeped in English history like no other: the Crown Jewels. From the 12th-century spoon used for the anointing at the coronation to the platinum crown created for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1937, their story is that of the English monarchy itself. Published in association with the Royal Collection and Historic Royal Palaces, the book features dazzling new photography, including many detailed shots and two gatefold pages, allowing individual pieces, gems and carefully selected groups of objects to be viewed as never before. Based on original research and written by an expert in English court history, the book tells the story of the development of the collection from the medieval period onwards. Anyone with either a professional or a personal interest in jewelry or English history will find The Crown Jewels a delight.