The crown jewels are called the insignia of secular power, which primarily include crowns, scepters, diadems, orbs, swords, and royal rings. These items are unique works of goldsmith and jewelry art, passed down from generation to generation, and hold great historical as well as decorative value. Over the centuries, they have changed in appearance and character to most faithfully reflect the splendor of the respective era and the symbolism of the social status of the royal family.The exceptional design of jewels tells us a lot about the artistic craftsmanship of their creators, as well as the aesthetic tastes of the rulers at whose request they were made. Although they are primarily associated with the British monarchy, many other countries in Europe (and also in other parts of the world) also have their own crown jewels.
Austria
The Austrian crown jewels include a collection of crowns, swords, rings, crosses, holy relics, and royal robes associated with coronation ceremonies. The robes were originally worn by the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, and later by the Austrian Emperor during coronations and other state ceremonies. The crown jewels date from the 10th to the 19th century and are mostly kept in the Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer).
Bavaria (present-day Germany)
In 1806, when Napoleon changed the order on the map of Europe, he granted the German principality of Bavaria the status of a kingdom. The new King of Bavaria, Maximilian I, commemorated this event by ordering the creation of crown jewels for the country’s new monarchs. The collection consists of a scepter, an orb, a diamond ring, a crown, a tiara, and royal robes. The crown was adorned with rubies, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and pearls.Eight joined plates form a semicircular-ended rectangle, and the frontal plate is topped with a cross. Engraved figures of Jesus, Hezekiah, Isaiah, King David, who symbolizes justice, and King Solomon, embodying wisdom, are placed on the crown. Today, the coronation jewels can be admired in the treasury of the Residenz Palace in Munich.
Czech Republic (Bohemia)
The Czech crown jewels consist of the Crown of Saint Wenceslas, the royal orb, scepter, coronation robes, the golden reliquary cross, and the sword of Saint Wenceslas. The crown is a very important historical relic for our neighbors, as from 1347 to 1863 it served as the coronation insignia of Czech kings. It was made from 22-carat gold and consists of four segments topped with heraldic lilies. The entire crown is set with precious gemstones in cabochon form. The decoration of the crown includes pearls, sapphires, emeralds, and a magnificent 250-carat ruby. The crown is located in St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, where it can be admired once every five years during the inauguration of a new president of the Czech Republic.
Denmark
The Danish crown regalia include a crown, scepter, orb, anointing sword, and ampulla – all made of gold and jewels. Originally, there were more Danish regalia, but some were sold by Christian II in 1523, and others by Christian IV in the 1520s. The sword is the oldest item in the current collection, dating from 1551. The most important is the Crown of the Absolute Monarchs, which has a closed structure, and is adorned with a large sapphire at the front.Danes use the terms “old regalia” and “new regalia” to distinguish the jewels that were present before the establishment of the absolute monarchy in 1660.
Italy
Every year, on June 2, Italy celebrates Republic Day in commemoration of the institutional referendum of 1945, which allowed Italians to choose the form of government in their country. This moment marked the departure of King Umberto II of Savoy and his family, and the birth of the new Republic. What happened then to the Italian crown jewels? They were hidden in a chest in the safe of the Bank of Italy.This small treasure chest is today valued at around 1.5 billion euros, with over 1,200 carats of diamonds and other gemstones adorning the valuables placed inside it. The detailed contents are known only to a few, as the chest has never been opened. It was photographed and then sealed with twelve seals; it can only be opened in the presence of the President of the Republic and the Governor of the Bank of Italy.The crown jewels consist of the Ferrea Crown (the Iron Crown of Lombardy – legend has it that it was made from the nails used for the crucifixion of Jesus), the Choker of the Supreme Order of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and several bracelets with rectangular links, made in 1868 with diamonds set in gold and silver.
The crown jewels in today’s world of fine jewelry
The unique design of crown jewels inspires successive generations of jewelers and goldsmiths around the world. Contemporary chokers are a perfect example of royal jewelry that has moved from aristocratic salons to the “streets” and immediately won the hearts of fashionistas. Personalized decorations on chains and rings are particularly important for women who like to feel special and highlight their individual style, which is why many jewelry companies – to fulfill the dreams and expectations of their clients – offer the possibility to purchase custom-made gold jewelry. The most popular jewelry products include above all diamond jewelry, which, in addition to its social status function, is also an excellent capital investment.