National Jewelry Museum of Iran, Tehran

National Jewelry Museum of Iran; Dazzling Delights in the Dark

National Jewelry Museum of Iran is among the top Tehran tourist attractions. Secured in the heart of Tehran, the Jewelry museum of Tehran exhibits the Iranian National Jewels since the 16th century. In custody of the Central Bank of Iran since 1960, the Iranian crown jewels value cannot be determined, and they count as one the world’s most famous collection of jewels, collected over centuries.

So, whenever in Tehran, make sure not to miss visiting the National Jewelry Treasury of Iran, which is fortunately open to public.

Have you ever been inside a huge dim-lighted vault? National Jewelry Museum of Iran is your best chance to enter one. This jaw-dropping experience begins as soon as you head downstairs to reach the main door of the vault. The windowless concrete-walled vault has its own unique design of lighting. To intensify the brilliance of the jewels, only a single stream of light is shed upon each one of them, making their glow even more mesmerizing.

Collection of Pahlavi Dynasty Jewelry

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#1 The History of Iranian Crown Jewels

The History of Iranian Crown Jewels : Before Safavid era (1501–1736), not much information is at hand concerning the national jewels of Iran. It can be said that the history of Iran’s national jewels began with the Safavid dynasty.

Every jewel in this collection reflects the tumultuous history of this great nation as well as the artistry of its inhabitants. Every piece is a reminder of the bittersweet memories of victory and defeat, of the arrogance of the weak or powerful rulers.

During the Mongol Invasion, Afshar, Qajar, and Pahlavi Dynasties these jewels were often stolen and then restored. Some of them were given to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza as a sign of good faith to the country’s religion and others were used as decorations on the garments and armors of the kings and queens.

However, the fate of some of those invaluable treasures are still a mystery!

Collection of Rubies

#2 The Iranian Crown Jewels Value

The Iranian Crown Jewels Value : No one exactly knows how much the Iranian crown jewels value of this collection is because it contains the unique gems and jewels of the world. Even the world’s most expert evaluators have NOT been able to calculate the price of this treasure.

The current collection is so valuable and vast that it serves as the reserve for the Iranian currency, which is the Rial.

However, the value of the collection is not limited to the economical aspect of them. The cultural value of the items that reflect the taste, creativity, and imagination of the artists is something not to be undermined.

The aigrette was a favorite of Fatahali Shah Qajar.

#3 The Highlighted Items of the National Jewelry Treasury

    #1 Darya-ye Nur (Sea of Light)

• • The largest pink diamond in the world
  • Approximately 182 carats
  • Qajar kings brought the diamond to the treasury
  • Naser al-Din Shah (1831 – 1896), a Qajar king, believed that the Darya-ye Nur were used as a decoration on the crown of the Cyrus the Great (558 – 529 BC)

Sea of Light Diamond ornamented crowns of Iranian monarchs since the 18th century.

    #2 Peacock Throne

• • It was made by the order of Fath-Ali Shah Qajar
  • Also known as the ‘sun throne’ due to the design of the sun encrusted with precious stones at the top of it
  • When Tavous Tajodoleh became the queen, due to her name, the throne became popular as Takht-e Tavous or the Peacock Throne
  • The throne was kept in پ Golestan Palace until 1981 AD

#3 Taj-e Kiani Crown

• • Crown of Fath-Ali Shah Qajar (1797 – 1834)
  • This crown is the first crown designed inspired by the Sassanid Dynasty crowns
  • Was made during the reign of the mentioned king

Kiani Crown of Qajar Kings

#4 Globe of Jewels

• • Naser al-Din Shah ordered the making of it in 1869 AD
  • Countries are difficult to be recognized because of the sparkle of the gems. Anyhow, the craftsman was a professional in the art of Jewelry not in geography!
  • Emeralds are as oceans and for lands rubies are used. As for the countries of Iran, Great Britain, and France, diamonds are used.
  • The diameter of the globe is approximately 65 centimeters

Photograph of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar with the Globe of Jewels

#5 The Crown Of Pahlavi

• • Worn by Reza Khan and Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
  • Of gold and silver
  • For the decoration diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and pearls are used
  • The design is inspired by the crowns of the Sassanid Dynasty (226 – 651 AD)
  • It weighs almost 2 kilos

Coronation of Mohammadreza Shah Pahlavi seated on Naderi Throne (The ceremonial mace, sword and emerald belt are exhibited in the treasury)

#6 The Nadir Aigrette

• • Decorated with diamonds and emeralds
  • Often used by Reza Khan Pahlavi

#4 Important Points to Remember Before Visiting the National Jewelry Museum of Iran

• No Personal Belongings : No cameras, bags, phones, or guidebooks are allowed. You can give them to the front desk.
• Step-On Guides : The professional tour guides are there for a detailed and interesting description of the jewels in the international languages.
• Opening Hours : The jewelry museum Iran is open for the public only from Saturday to Tuesday from 14:00 to 16:30
• Individuals under the age of 12 are not allowed inside the national jewelry treasury

Coronation Crown of Farah Pahlavi and her Wedding Tiara

Close-by Sights to the Jewelry Museum Iran

• Sardar-e Bagh-e Melli (THE National Garden’s Gate) – 1.2 kilometers
• Malek Museum and Library – 1.1 kilometers
• National Museum of Iran – 1.3 kilometers

How to Get to the National Jewelry Museum of Iran

How to Get to the National Jewelry Museum of Iran : The easiest way to access the national jewelry museum of Iran is via taxi, especially if you are a solo traveler and not on a tour. Subway is also another option. You just have to get off on the Emam Khomeini station and walk down the Ferdowsi Avenue to reach where the Iranian crown jewels are kept.