Ring of Barbara Radziwiłł (1522-1551), Queen of Poland and Grand Duchess of Lithuania, part of a treasure rediscovered in 2024 Hidden for almost a century, a collection of royal burial treasures linked to the rulers of Lithuania and Poland has gone on public display in Vilnius after an unexpected rediscovery in late 2024. The story began in 1931, when spring floods exposed royal crypts beneath Vilnius Cathedral. Archaeologists uncovered the remains of the three rulers along with their burial insignia. As World War II approached, church officials hid the collection to protect it from looting and damage. Part of the cathedral treasury returned to light in 1985, though the royal burial objects stayed missing for decades. The exhibition also reveals the skill of Renaissance goldsmiths. Some jewels used clever methods to imitate more costly gems. Craftsmen hollowed garnets to make them look like rubies. Others joined clear crystal with a red backing to create the look of deep red gemstones. Visitors also see personal jewelry recovered from the royal burials. Barbara Radziwill’s gold chain survived along with four gold rings worn by the queens. The rings contain diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and other precious stones.