Tiaras and crowns that have adorned the heads of monarchs over the past three centuries are now on show alongside swords and scabbards so laden down with rocks you’d struggle to lift them.

The huge Cullinan III and IV Brooch comprised of two diamonds weighing in at 94 and 63 carats respectively is a highlight. Last seen pinned to the Queen’s crystal-studded mint coat for the Diamond Jubilee service at St Paul’s Cathedral, it is now in situ at the Palace alongside 5 of the other principal stones cut from the Cullinan (the world’s largest diamond).

Elizabeth Taylor had some jaw dropping jewels but the diamonds on display at the Palace are in a league of their own. It’s probably best not to speculate as to what they’re worth; it will boggle your mind.

The exhibition curator Caroline de Guitaut said of the famous Diamond Diadem crown ‘[it] is one of the most spectacular pieces of royal jewellery. A rare combination of the historically important and the very familiar – seen by millions every day on stamps, banknotes and coins.’

To get up close to these incredible treasures and discover the story behind each stone visit Buckingham Palace from the 30 June – 8 July and 31 July – 7 October.