De Beers Partners with Royal Palaces to Spruce Up Crown Jewels

(IDEX Online News) – With the help of De Beers, Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, will upgrade the display of the Crown Jewels.

The exclusive partnership with the De Beers Family of Companies will enable the re-presentation of the Jewel House, which will open to the public in Easter 2012 to coincide with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the London Olympic Games.

The new exhibition will explore the importance of the Crown Jewels to the British monarchy, the role of the Tower in protecting these treasures and the long and fascinating tradition of coronations in England.

The Crown Jewels are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy and hold deep religious and cultural significance in Britain's history.

The Crown Jewels are a tourist magnet, attracting as many as 16,000 visitors a day, making them one of Britain's most popular tourist sites.

The Coronation ceremony will be the central theme of the re-presentation. Since 1066, coronation ceremonies have taken place in Westminster Abbey. The displays will examine how the royal regalia are used during the ceremony, and explore the symbolism of each object. Destroyed at the Tower after the Civil War and remade for Charles II’s coronation in 1661, the Crown Jewels signify royal authority to lead, and protect, the nation.

The priceless collection holds some of the most legendary and extraordinary diamonds in the world, including the Cullinan diamonds and Koh-i-Noor.

“We are delighted to announce this partnership between the world’s premier diamond company and the world’s premier collection of diamonds and precious jewels. The Crown Jewels," said Michael Day, Chief Executive of Historic Royal Palaces. "With all eyes on London in 2012 for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games, De Beers’ generous support will enable us to showcase Britain’s most prized treasures in all their glory.”

According to Nicky Oppenheimer, Chairman of De Beers, “De Beers is delighted to support the re-presentation of the Jewel House. Diamonds are unique treasures of nature with deep emotional and historical significance. Like those in the Crown Jewels, each diamond is different and holds a story. As the world’s leading diamond company, De Beers is proud to be a part of bringing the story of the Crown Jewels to life through the most celebrated showcase of jewels in the world.”