Important additions to the Crown Jewels have been made at defining moments in British history, up to and including the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. 

The accession of James II in 1685 posed a new challenge for the Jewel House since his wife, Mary of Modena, needed to be crowned with him. Charles II had been unmarried at the time of his coronation, so no regalia had yet been prepared for a consort. A diadem, state crown and two sceptres were produced for the queen's coronation, in a ceremony taking place shortly after the king had been enthroned.

In 1689, the coronation of the only joint sovereigns, William III and Mary II, saw the commission of an additional orb and sceptre.  In 1911 the Imperial Crown of India was created for George V's inauguration as Emperor of India.  Most recently, a pair of new armills was prepared for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, as a symbolic gift from the Commonwealth.

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