Britain's Queen Elizabeth has selected a little-known jeweler to become the next Crown Jeweler.

Harry Collins is expected to take over the coveted post after the current Crown Jeweler David Thomas, who is employed by luxury jewelry company Garrard, retires later this year.

According to Britain's Daily Mail newspaper, Collins - who runs a small family business in Tunbridge Wells - was personally chosen by the monarch after a recommendation from a friend.

If the 51-year-old - who met the queen two years ago - decides to take the position, he will be personally responsible for caring for the British Crown Jewels and looking after the queen's personal jewelry collection.

This would involve him traveling at least once a week to a workshop based at Buckingham Palace from his country home, where he lives with his wife Jadie, their five dogs and several horses.

Jewelry giant Garrard has been the "home of the Crown Jeweller" for nearly 160 years. However, it is reportedly on the brink of losing its royal status after failing to impress the queen with its "hip" creations.

Concern over the firm's racy image was first sparked in 1996 when Jade Jagger - the daughter of Rolling Stones hellraiser Mick Jagger - was appointed as creative director.

Some of Jade's creations included gold chain-mail underwear, diamond-studded revolver pendants and devil-themed trinkets, designed to appeal to fans of the widespread hip-hop culture.

The firm's decision to appoint sexy pop singer Christina Aguilera as its new face has also been seen as an "embarrassment" for the royal family.