Iranian Crown Jewels

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.

Iranian Crown Jewels