The world’s most famous diamond, the Kohinoor, is set to go on display with a new exhibition at the Tower of London. The exhibition, named Beyond the Tower: The Crown Jewels, will open on 27 April 2021 and will feature a range of historic gems and jewellery from the Royal Collection, in addition to the Kohinoor.
The exhibition will be the first public display of the Kohinoor since it was acquired by the British East India Company in 1849. One of the world’s largest diamonds, the Kohinoor is said to be over 5000 years old and is set in the royal Crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
The exhibition will also feature exhibits related to the history of the Tower of London, revealing the historical events that have taken place over its more than 900-year history. The exhibition will also feature the Imperial State Crown, the oldest surviving crown, which dates back to the 16th century, and the crown used in the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
In addition to the Kohinoor, the exhibition will also feature rare gemstones, including the Stuart Sapphire, a blue sapphire worn by Mary Queen of Scots, and the Black Prince’s Ruby, an uncut spinel that was worn by the warrior king Edward the Black Prince in the 14th century.
The Beyond the Tower: The Crown Jewels exhibition will run until 16 October 2021 and tickets for the event are now on sale.