Key to the State of Colorado Unveiled

The Key to the State of Colorado, which was created by Hyde Park Jewelers 25 years ago, is now on display for public viewing at the Capitol Rotunda. The key was unveiled by Governor Bill Ritter on November 16th in an official proclamation and ceremony.

About the Key to the State of Colorado:
The Key to the State of Colorado was created by Hyde Park Jewelers and presented to Governor Richard D Lamm on September 6^th, 1984, after discovery that there was not an official state key. For the last 25 years, the Key to the State of Colorado has been primarily in secure storage and not available for public viewing. Governor Richard D Lamm delegated the responsibility for the Key’s safe keeping, preservation and exhibition to The Colorado Historical Society. The Key will now have a new home in the State Capitol Rotunda presented alongside memorial busts of some of Colorado’s past Governors.

The elements of the key include precious materials which are indigenous to Colorado. The key is composed of 3 oz. of 14kt yellow gold, 1 oz of 18kt yellow gold, 1.5 oz of sterling silver, 2.6cts of yellow sapphires, 2.7 cts of blue sapphires, 4.75 cts of round brilliant diamonds and 55 hours of labor. The design incorporates Colorado snow capped mountains, as well as the official Colorado State seal. The precious metals are symbolic of Colorado first days as a regional mining center, and the colors of the sapphires are symbolic of the Columbine, Colorado’s State flower.

“As a result of the efforts of Governor Ritter and his staff, we are deeply honored to have the state key relocated in the capitol rotunda.” says Michael Pollak, CEO and co-founder of Hyde Park Jewelers. “It has always been Hyde Park’s intent to make the viewing of the Key available to the citizens and visitors of our state’s capitol.”

About the Official Unveiling of the Key to the State of Colorado in the Capitol Rotunda
The Key to the State of Colorado is now on display in its new location, The Capitol Rotunda, so that the citizens and visitors to Colorado and its Capitol can enjoy its splendor and beauty.