Iranian Crown Jewels

Naderi_throne 400
The Naderi Throne
Photo by: Imperial court of Iran, Creative Commons

Many cultures show their diversity in the traditional architecture, dances, and traditions in one’s country. Iran displays part of its rich culture and history through the Iranian Crown Jewels.

The Iranian Crown Jewels, also known as Imperial Crown Jewels of Iran or of Persia, is a collection of items passed on from generation to generation of rulers in Iran. Most of the items date back to 1500 A.D., when the Safavid dynasty acquired most of what is part of the current collection. These items were used up to the last dynasty in Iran, the Pahlavi dynasty, which was overthrown in 1979. There are many items within the collection: crowns, thrones, tiaras, swords, shields, other unusual items. Most notable of these are the Darya-ye Noor, the Peacock throne, the Samarian Spinel, and the bejeweled globe. Some items which were once part of this massive collection, like the Koh-i-Noor, before becoming spoils of war and were consequently taken by other owners. The Koh-i-Noor and the Darya-ye Noor are among the largest gems in the world. The Koh-i-Noor is now amongst the British Crown Jewels after it was seized by the East India Company and was presented to Queen Victoria, then Empress of India, in the year 1877.

The Peacock Throne, usually confused with the one in India, used to be called Sun Throne. However, after Fathali Shah’s subsequent marriage to Tavous Khanoum Tajodoleh, the name was changed. Tavous, in Persian, is the word for peacock. The Samarian Spinel is a 500 carat spinel gemstone and is from India. Uniquely, the Samarian Spinel has a hole in it, which once held a diamond. It is also said that this was once an adornment to the biblical golden calf. The jewel-studded globe, standing in a height of 44 inches, is covered with thousands of gemstones. Water is shown by emeralds while land is shown by rubies and spinels. However, there are countries shown in diamonds such as Iran, Britain, France, and parts of South Asia.

These items are only part of the vast collection of Iranian Crown Jewels which are on public display at the Central Bank of Iran.

7 responses to “Iranian Crown Jewels”

  1. Shahram says:

    The Iranian Crown Jewel Collection is reported by some of the world’s foremost jewel experts to be the biggest, most dazzling and valuable collection of Jewels in the world. It is truly an overwhelming experience to enter the super-security enhanced vaults of the National Bank of Iran that houses these incredible glittering pieces of beauty, crafted by the most skilled artisans, and so full of history, intrigues and mystery.

  2. The STOLEN gems The Koh-i-Noor and the Darya-ye Noor should be filed for in an international lawsuit, along with a formal charge to reacquire (with damages) the Abu Said’s Black Ruby, the Star of India, the Star of Africa, the Cullinan, Spring Palace treasures from China and so many others taken under duress during the Colonial occupations round the world. Little wonder why Iran keeps wanting to bomb the English. The English stole and hold ILLEGALLY a part of the sovereign property of so many countries and must be made to return the stolen goods. Will the International Criminal Court backed by Interpol help these countries retrieve their stolen treasures? The Commonwealth thus by association is giving tacit approval to the violent colonialists and should also ask that these treasures taken under duress be returned. Iran could spearhead this movement in a high profile manner.

  3. danica says:

    can the public see this? i wanna see them

  4. Mike says:

    One can see the treasure at the Central Bank in Tehran . No one under 12 admitted. Admission about 6 €

  5. Mike says:

    One can see the treasure at the Central Bank in Tehran . No one under 12 admitted. Admission about 6 €. Closed Saturdays

  6. Mehdi says:

    its allowed to visit the treasure . anyone can visit the museum . open from saturday yo tuesday from 14 to 16 . you can visit the peacock throne and also daryay-e-noor which is the biggest pink diamond of the world

  7. David Sabghir says:

    How would one verify jewelry that they believe was owned by Tavous Khanoum Tajodoleh? And how would one establish their worth?

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