The crown of Saint Wenceslas is perhaps one of the most luxurious and expensive crowns of all time, being made of 100% pure gold and many precious stones; earning the honor of being the most ostentatious and extravagant that was ever created. It was commissioned by Charles IV, who ordered its production in 1347 to be exclusively dedicated to whom would be the Christian King of Bohemia (region that comprises the Czech Republic) called Wenceslas; name used by Charles IV. This gem is currently sheltered in a special chamber in St. Vitus Cathedral in the great Castle Prague; and it is only displayed on special occasions and presidential orders.
St. Wenceslas, the Duke of Bohemia was a faithful follower of Christianity through his father, from whom he inherited the qualities of being an educated man committed to peace; he is educated and guided by God’s way thanks to his grandmother, who raised him with tenderness and strength to shape the character and soul of his grandson. His arrival to the throne was due to his altruistic qualities, which were highly respected by the villagers. His reign was short, however, his little time in power was enough to create great social works, encouraging national reconciliation, transforming hospitals and prisons in promoting the arts and science.
The curious thing about his crown is that it is made of solid gold of about 21 and 22 carats, just as it is adorned with pearls and precious stones with a beautiful ruby, 19 sapphires, 30 emeralds and 20 pearls and 44 spinels. This jewel is designed with a cross that has a beautiful blue sapphire inside it and engraved with the image of a crucified Christ; it is also closed for four crowns decorated with gems. It weighs is about 2.5 kilos and measured at least 20 cm.
For a long time there was much discussion of an ancient curse on this crown, believing that if it was placed at the head of a person who was not worthy to be king, that person would die within a year. This belief was accentuated in 1941, because Reinhardt Heydrich (Nazi governor of Bohemia and Moravia) after a visit to the Prague Castle; he dared to put the luxurious crown on his head, dying within a year specifically on July 4, 1942 following an alleged attack. Yet, it is doubtful if the real cause of his death had something to do with this curse.
The crown of Saint Wenceslas certainly is synonymous of luxury; is a Czech treasury regarded only for those privileged people that have the opportunity to see such extravagance.
ALFA