3. Charlemagne's Holy Crown
Worn by the Roman Emperor, Holy
Since: 962
Estimated worth: incalculable
Made in 962, this crown is truly precious. Charlemagne, like many other Roman emperors, was the rightful owner of the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire. The Crown persisted until the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806. It was used to install the Emperor-Elect as King of the Romans, a title he immediately took on upon being crowned.
Charlemagne's Holy Crown ©mbell1975/Flickr
Emeralds, amethysts, and sapphires are among the 144 precious stones set into the 22-carat gold crown, which is also adorned with iron. The stones were selected in the colors blue, purple, and green, which were thought to represent the imperial leaders of that era. This gem design can also be found on other antique Middle Ages jewelry.