How much the British crown jewels are actually worth

The sovereign’s orb, which dates to 1661, is a hollow gold sphere with a band of emeralds, rubies and sapphires. During the coronation, the sovereign holds the orb, a symbol of the Christian world and the sovereign’s power, in their right hand.

When Charles I had the orb made in 1661, he spent £1150. In today’s money, that’s near $290,000. However, the orb itself would be valued much higher because of its significance, history and stones.

This article first appeared on Reader’s Digest.