The Crown Jewels of Bohemia – the coronation regalia of Bohemian monarchs – are preserved in a special chamber in Saint Vitus Cathedral. Modeled on the coronation regalia of the Holy Roman Emperors, equally lavish and symbolically meaningful, the Crown Jewels of Bohemia include: the crown of Saint Wenceslaus, the royal sceptre, the royal orb, the coronation cloak, belt, and ermine collar, the maniple (an ornamental band worn by the priest) and stole for the religious celebrant, as well as a ring, golden bracelets, and crystal vessels for the ceremony.
The oldest, most significant, and valuable item in the Bohemian coronation regalia is the crown of Saint Wenceslaus. It is cast in solid gold and decorated with precious stones and pearls: 19 sapphires, 44 spinels, 1 ruby, 30 emeralds, and…