A local jeweler is giving crowds a taste of royalty a little closer to home and its collection of royal replicas is helping Houstonians experience history.
You don't have to go across the pond to see some British bling.
"All the crowns and the diamonds and the pearls, it's just spectacular. I've never seen anything like it," Houston Jewelry customer William Hill said.
Houston Jewelry has some jubilee-worthy jewels on display and is allowing the public to come in for some fun and a little history lesson.
"This is the Imperial State Crown that Queen Victoria wore," Houston Jewelry saleswoman Judy Memmel said.
It is a replica, of course, but the real one contains 2,783 diamonds, 277 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 5 rubies. You've seen it on Queen Elizabeth before when she speaks to parliament.
"If you didn't know, you would think it was the real thing," customer Rae Engel said.
There are life-size replicas of things like the St. Edward's Crown, which weighs more than 5 pounds.
"This is only worn during coronation and it was made in 1662 for Charles II. And the only person who didn't wear it was Queen Victoria; she said it was too heavy," Memmel said.
If that's not your style, there is the more subtle Queen Mary's crown.
"To see these beautiful pieces, it's amazing. I love the intricate designs," Engel said.
And lastly a girl's best friend -- the George IV Diadem, which also called the Diamond Diadem. You've see the queen wear this one on the way to and from parliament. Its design features roses, thistles and shamrocks -- the symbols of England, Scotland and Ireland, respectively. During your visit, you can try it on and be queen for a day.
The store is located at 9521 Westheimer and is open between 10:30am and 6:30pm Monday-Saturday and noon to 5pm Sunday. For more information, call 713-784-1000 or 800-495-8636, or email customerservice@houstonjewelry.com.
