… is not actually London bridge but is Tower Bridge. By the banks of the River Thames close to Tower Bridge, is the Tower of London. And that’s where we went to today. I’ve been there some 9 years ago with the hubby and this is the 2nd time I’ve come to see the Crown Jewels. Too bad I couldn’t take photos in there– I honestly would’ve *normally* attempted to break the rules but I didn’t dare this time because I couldn’t see where the cameras were hehehe… And haha I don’t want to be accused of attempting to steal the Crown Jewels– that would make me only the Second person who would have made such an idiotic attempt *Duh, the Tower of London is a fortress! Why even think about stealing the jewels?!?! You can’t sell it anyway! hahaha*
At the Tower of London, this was what I came for… *muwahahaha*
The Star of Africa also known as the Cullinan I. The most amazing crystal clear white diamond in the world… *I went through this exhibit THREE TIMES hahaha, prompting the guard to ask me if I want to “order” anything from the collection hahahaha*
Another extremely important piece in the collection: the crown!
I think there was some debate about whether that red stone above the diamond was a ruby or not. It’s called the Black Prince’s Ruby, but it’s actually a spinel. Don’t quote me on that, but I believe it is a spinel. Our guide still insists it’s a ruby though.
Anyway, so those are the 2 most important pieces in the English crown jewels collection. Let me juxtapose them against the Imperial Crown jewels of Russia (which we sadly were not able to see at the time we went there)
That top red stone IS a spinel. This is another amazing piece which deserves its place as one of the most important “jewelries” of all time.
And this one– the huge Orlov diamond (given to Catherine the Great by Count Orlov). Both of these are part of the Almazny Fund located inside The Armory in the Kremlin (in Moscow).
So, choose your weapon peeps– which would you prefer? The English Crown Jewels? Or the Russian Imperial Crown Jewels? 🙂
Tomorrow, we are off to see Windsor Castle. The weather’s been dreary– wet and all, but I see moments of sun, so it’s not too bad!
(photo credits: google images!)
HAPPY EASTER!!!
P.S. On an unrelated note, my article on Amanpulo is published on the Philippine Daily Inquirer today 🙂 Hope you get a chance to read it 🙂 If you don’t get a copy (because I’m telling you, the photos were fantastic), check out the story online here–> Amanpulo: Heaven on Earth
x
Mrs. T
the cullinan is still the largest rough gem quality diamond ever found at 3106 carats. it was then broken up into several cut stones, the largest one being the Cullinan I at over 530 carats. and yes, the black prince’s ruby is in fact a spinel. they don’t make jewels like these anymore!