Treasures that are kept behind seven locks
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Seven locks
The Czech royal regalia include the crown of Saint Wenceslas (Svatováclavská koruna), the scepter and the orb.
The national treasure of the Czech Republic is securely hidden from prying eyes in the guarded royal chamber of St. Vitus Cathedral. Access to the treasures is provided through the chapel of St. Wenceslas. The royal jewels are kept behind seven locks. They can only be unlocked with keys that are hidden by seven guardians who hold high government positions or have a high rank in church.
Crown of Saint Wenceslas
The royal crown was made specifically for the coronation of the Czech ruler Charles IV, who was also the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.
The symbol of royal power embodies strength and harmony, it astounds with its brilliance and splendor. Gold flows like a stream of light and shines like a sun studded with precious stones.
In the photo: the crown (made of pure gold) is dedicated to the patron saint of the Czech Republic, Saint Wenceslas, it weighs 2 kilograms and 358 grams and is encrusted with gems specially selected by Charles IV himself.
Jewelers decorated the item with 19 sapphires, 44 spinels, three dozen emeralds, two dozen white pearls and a single red elbaite. Valuable stones shine with all the colors of the rainbow and prompt the witnesses of the historical value to contemplate the eternity.
The royal treasure is crowned with a cross symbolizing faith and hope. A bewitching scattering of sapphires is the personification of strength and unity. Their radiance is the reminder of the power of the king who bears the burden of responsibility.
Royal power
The symbol of monarchical power is made of 18K gold and weighs a little less than a kilogram — 780 grams.
In the photo: the royal regalia have been richly decorated with precious stones, pearls and gold.
Two hemispheres are fastened with a decorative strip, on top of the golden ball there is a cross with an inscription in Latin: “DOMINE IN VIRTUTE TUA LETABITUR REX ET SUPER SALUTARE TUAM EXULTABIT” (O Lord, in Thy strength the king will be glad and in Thy salvation how greatly he will rejoice).
The orb, shaped like a globe, is decorated with chasing, and features biblical scenes based on the themes of obedience to God’s will and human ability to perform the greatest feats.
Royal scepter
Craftsmen worked for hours to create the unique creations. They used precious stones, engraving and various jewelry techniques to give beauty and sophistication to the items. As a result, royal regalia have an added value as objects of historical and cultural heritage.
The length of the royal wand with precious stones and carvings is 67 cm, the weight of the gold item is 1 kilogram and 13 grams.
In the photo: the royal scepter is decorated with sapphires, spinels and pearls.
Skilled jewelers masterfully decorated the wand with artistic engraving, depicting a vine, leaves and flowers.
Gold for coronations
Regalia do not lose their value and serve as evidence of the absolute power of the monarch. Gold and precious stones emphasize the wealth and power of the kingdom.
The noble metal personifies greatness and luxury at all times. Gold symbolizes authority and respect, evoking a sense of reverence and commitment among the subjects.
Read also:
Historic gold at the coronation of Charles III
