Gemstones in Royal Collections

Gemstones in royal collections have long captivated the imagination and admiration of people around the world. These collections, often amassed over centuries, represent not just the wealth and power of the monarchies but also their tastes, traditions, and the political and economic histories of their times. Gemstones in royal collections are more than mere adornments; they are artifacts that carry with them stories of conquest, diplomacy, inheritance, and sometimes even theft.

From the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, which house some of the most famous gemstones in the world, to the lesser-known but equally fascinating collections of other royal families, these gemstones serve as a bridge between the past and the present, offering insights into the cultural and historical contexts in which they were acquired. Moreover, the craftsmanship involved in setting these gemstones into crowns, scepters, rings, and other regalia is a testament to the artistry and skill of the jewelers and artisans who worked on them. Gemstones in royal collections continue to fascinate not only historians and gemologists but also the general public, making them a perennial subject of study and admiration.

The Crown Jewels of England

The Crown Jewels of England, a symbol of the British monarchy’s history and power, comprise an extraordinary collection of regalia, vestments, and other precious artifacts. These treasures are housed in the Tower of London and are used in coronation ceremonies and other state events. The collection includes several iconic pieces:

• St. Edward’s Crown: Made of solid gold and adorned with precious gems, this crown is the centerpiece of the coronation ceremony. It was made for Charles II in 1661, replacing a medieval crown that was melted down in 1649.

• The Imperial State Crown: Worn by the monarch at the end of the coronation and at state openings of Parliament, it features an impressive array of jewels, including the famous Cullinan II diamond, the second-largest cut diamond in the world.

• The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross: This piece, holding the Cullinan I or the Great Star of Africa diamond, symbolizes the monarch’s temporal power. It is used in the coronation ceremony alongside the rod and the orb, representing the monarch’s spiritual and worldly powers.

• The Koh-i-Noor Diamond: Once the largest diamond in the world, it is now set in the crown of the late Queen Mother. Its history spans several centuries and various owners across South Asia before becoming part of the British Crown Jewels.

• The Coronation Robes: These include the crimson velvet Robe of State, worn by the monarch after the coronation, and the purple Robe of Estate, worn during the coronation itself.

• The Anointing Spoon and Ampulla: These are used in the sacred anointing part of the coronation ceremony. The spoon is medieval, and the ampulla is a gold flask in the shape of an eagle.

In addition to these items, the collection includes several swords, rings, bracelets, and plates, all of which are masterpieces of craftsmanship and hold immense historical significance. The Crown Jewels, with their combination of artistic, cultural, and historical value, continue to captivate visitors from around the world.

The Russian Crown Jewels

The Russian Crown Jewels, also known as the “Regalia of the Russian Tsars,” are a magnificent collection of insignia, crowns, scepters, orbs, and other ceremonial regalia used by the Russian monarchy. This collection, steeped in history and opulence, includes some of the most extraordinary pieces of craftsmanship and artistry in the world. Key items in the collection include:

• The Great Imperial Crown: Created for Catherine the Great in 1762, this is perhaps the most famous piece. It’s made of two hemispheres of red velvet-lined with ermine fur, representing the Eastern and Western Roman Empires, and is adorned with nearly 5,000 diamonds and a huge red spinel at the top.

• The Orlov Diamond: A part of the Imperial Sceptre, this nearly 190-carat diamond is one of the most significant and historic diamonds globally. It was named after Count Grigory Orlov, who played a crucial role in Catherine the Great’s rise to power.

• The Imperial Orb: A key piece of the regalia, it is a Christian symbol of sovereignty representing the monarch’s role as Defender of the Faith. It is typically a gold sphere adorned with jewels and topped with a cross.

• The Monomakh’s Cap: Also known as the Golden Cap, it’s a symbol of the Russian autocracy and is often considered the oldest of the crowns. Made in the early 14th century, it is adorned with sables, pearls, and precious stones.

• The Diamond Fund: It is a unique collection of the most precious gems of the Russian Federation, including historic jewels, rare gemstones, and other artifacts. It’s not only a part of the Russian Crown Jewels but also a separate entity showcasing Russia’s wealth in natural resources.

• The Coronation Robes: Richly decorated and crafted with fine fabrics, these robes were worn by the Tsars and Tsarinas during their coronation ceremonies and are a significant part of the regalia.

These jewels are not only a collection of royal adornments but also a testament to Russia’s rich history, reflecting the power, wealth, and artistic achievements of the Russian Empire. They are preserved in the Kremlin Armory in Moscow and symbolize a significant period in Russian history.

The Iranian Crown Jewels

The Iranian Crown Jewels, also known as the Imperial Crown Jewels of Persia, represent one of the most extensive and dazzling collections of treasures globally. Held in the Central Bank of Iran in Tehran, these jewels have been accumulated over centuries by various Persian rulers and are not only a testament to the opulence and power of the Persian monarchy but also a significant part of Iran’s cultural heritage. Key elements of this collection include:

• Darya-ye Noor Diamond: One of the largest diamonds in the world, the Darya-ye Noor, which means “Sea of Light” in Persian, is a rare pale pink diamond weighing approximately 182 carats. Its history is traced back to Indian mines.

• Pahlavi Crown: Made for Reza Shah Pahlavi in 1926, this crown was used in the Pahlavi dynasty’s coronation ceremonies. It is adorned with a staggering number of gems, including diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and pearls.

• Nadir Shah’s Throne: Also known as the Peacock Throne (not to be confused with the famous Mughal throne of the same name), this throne was commissioned by Nadir Shah in the 18th century. It is decorated with an array of precious stones and features a peacock tail design.

• Farah Pahlavi’s Crown: Created for the coronation of Empress Farah Pahlavi in 1967, this crown is unique for its modern design and features. It includes an array of emeralds, diamonds, pearls, and a striking 150-carat emerald at its center.

• The Globe of Jewels: Crafted in the 19th century, this globe features over 50,000 precious stones. The oceans and seas are shown in emeralds, while the land is depicted with rubies and spinels. Diamonds are used to show Iran, Britain, France, and parts of Asia.

• The Noor-ol-Ain Tiara: Featuring the famous Noor-ol-Ain diamond, one of the largest pink diamonds in the world, this tiara is a part of the bridal jewelry created for Empress Farah for her wedding to Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi in 1958.

The Iranian Crown Jewels encompass a vast array of other items, including swords, shields, crowns, robes, and other ornate objects encrusted with gems. They symbolize the rich cultural history of Iran and the legacy of its monarchies, serving as a display of Iran’s artistic and historical achievements.

The French Crown Jewels

The French Crown Jewels, once an emblem of the monarchy in France, comprised an extraordinary collection of crowns, scepters, orbs, rings, and other regalia, adorned with some of the most remarkable and historic gemstones. Although many pieces were either sold or dismantled following the fall of the monarchy, the collection’s history is marked by its splendor and significance. Here are some of the notable elements:

• The Crown of Louis XV: Known for its elaborate design, this crown was used for the coronation of Louis XV in 1722. It was studded with a profusion of precious stones, including the famous Regent Diamond.

• The Scepter of Charles V: Dating back to the 14th century, this scepter was a symbol of royal power and authority. It was adorned with precious stones and intricate designs, showcasing the artistry of the time.

• The Regent Diamond: One of the most famous diamonds in the world, it was originally set in the crown of Louis XV. The Regent Diamond has a storied history, having been worn by various kings and even Napoleon I.

• The Crown of Empress Eugenie: Created for the wife of Napoleon III, this crown was distinctive for its use of pearls and diamonds. It reflected the opulence of the Second Empire and the imperial court’s tastes.

• The Coronation Sword and Scabbard: Known as “Joyeuse,” this sword was traditionally attributed to Charlemagne. Whether or not this attribution is accurate, it was used for coronations and was considered a key piece of the French regalia.

• The Hortensia Diamond: Named after Queen Hortense, the daughter of Empress Josephine, this peach-colored diamond was another remarkable gem in the French Crown Jewels.

In 1792, during the French Revolution, a significant portion of the jewels from the Gemstones in Royal Collections was stolen and never recovered. Further, during the reign of the Third Republic in the late 19th century, many of the remaining jewels from the Gemstones in Royal Collections were sold at auction, and only a few pieces were preserved. These preserved pieces, part of the once vast Gemstones in Royal Collections, are now displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the former French monarchy.