Precious stones

value and superstition

The Austrian archducal hat consists of a red velvet cap encircled by a diadem with 8 golden, enamelled points of equal height. 2 hoops intersect at right angles, a little higher than the points. The hat is tied to the title of archduke, the points and hoops are symbols of kingly power.

The points are the most ornate part of the coronet, with rhombic-cut diamonds set into a border. In addition the top of the point is finished with a stone curved at the bottom and angled on the sides. It’s probably the creation of a South German workshop and is donated to the monastery in 1616 by Archduke Maximilian III.

The Imperial Crown, Imperial Orb and Imperial Sceptre of Rudolf II are produced at around the same time, between 1602 and 1615. We do find some similarities. The diamonds on the points of the archducal coronet are cut in the same way as those of the Imperial Crown, and the enamel work on the borders of the points is like that of the Imperial Orb and Imperial Sceptre.

All the materials used are of exquisite quality. Boasting freshwater pearls of incredible size and purity, the hat is finished off with a huge sapphire.