Table of contents:
The luxury and radiance of the exhibits of the Diamond Fund is off the charts. Despite the fact that many jewelry was sold by the Bolsheviks at auctions, this museum has something to be proud of.
The Diamond Fund is located in the building of the Armory, occupies two halls in it. Peter I can rightfully be considered its founder. It was he who, in 1719, collected all the jewels for storage in one of the rooms. In the middle of the 18th century, they were moved to the Winter Palace, to the Diamond Room. But the war began, and in the summer of 2014 the collection was urgently evacuated to Moscow. They were brought in eight chests without any inventories and acts of transfer. Likewise, without verification, they were accepted.
For almost eight years they lay in the basements of the Kremlin, piled high with other goods. And only in 1922, the chests with jewels were transferred to Gokhran, where they began to dismantle and re-enumerate them. And, from 1926 to 1938, on the personal instructions of Lenin and the Soviet government, a lot of jewelry was sold at auctions in Europe and New York. But then they stopped.
Seven Wonders of the Diamond Fund
Diamond "Orlov"
A surprisingly transparent 189 carat diamond, shimmering in greenish and blue colors. The largest and most valuable diamond in the collection. It has 180 facets and is shaped like an Indian rose. Initially, the diamond was in India, but as a result of a series of kidnappings and sales, it ended up with Count Orlov. And he, in turn, presented it to Catherine II.
Diamond "Shah"
This is the second most valuable diamond in the collection, also characterized by perfect clarity, weighing 88 carats. Found in India, it has almost retained its original shape, with only a few facets slightly tweaked. On this diamond, inscriptions made in Persian are clearly visible - these are the names of its three previous owners. In 1824, for the purpose of reconciliation, this magnificent diamond was brought as a gift to Nicholas I after the brutal massacre in Tehran over Alexander Griboyedov, our ambassador, diplomat and famous writer.
Diamond - "portrait"
One of the largest, so-called portrait, diamonds. It has a flat shape and an area of 7.5 square centimeters. And since this diamond is also completely transparent, it can be used as a portrait one, which, in fact, was done - a portrait of the emperor was placed under it.
Giant spinel
This gorgeous, extraordinarily transparent gem weighs 399 carats. It is he who adorns the Russian Great Imperial Crown.
Emerald inlaid in a brooch
It is also one of the most famous and valuable stones, weighing 136 carats. It has a very beautiful rich color and step cut. Looks very beautiful in a frame with diamonds and silver grape leaves.
Ceylon sapphire
The legendary, world's largest cut sapphire, 260 carats. Its upper surface has more than a hundred faces. This beautiful stone in an openwork setting, emphasizing its beauty, was acquired by Alexander II in London in 1862 for his wife.
Chrysolite
An absolutely unique stone weighing 192.6 carats, unusually transparent, with a magnificent cut.
Autocracy symbols
In addition to these unique diamonds, the museum has other exclusive exhibits and, first of all, these are the main regalia of the royal power.
Imperial scepter
A scepter with a double-headed eagle on top was made for Catherine II. Since 1774 it has been decorated with the luxurious Orlov diamond, presented by the count to his empress.
Imperial power
Orb, otherwise known as the "Tsar's Apple", is the creation of the jeweler Eckart, made for the coronation of Catherine II. Already under Emperor Paul I, it was additionally adorned with a magnificent sapphire and diamond.
Great crown of the Russian Empire
This crown, rightfully considered the most beautiful and expensive in the world, is the creation of the court jewelers Georg Friedrich Eckart and Jeremiah Pozier. It was also created on behalf of Catherine II for her coronation in 1762 in record time - in just two months. After the revolution, this main symbol of the Russian Empire was in Ireland for about 30 years, the crown was transferred there as a guarantee for the financial assistance provided. They were able to redeem this masterpiece only in 1950, then the crown returned to Moscow.
Other exhibits of the museum
Small Imperial Crown of the Russian Empire
Previously, it was assumed that it was made for Elizaveta Alekseevna by the Duval brothers. Now it is believed that the crown was created by the jeweler Zeftigen for Maria Alexandrovna.
Crown of Empress Anna Ioannovna
A magnificent crown, sparkling with two and a half thousand precious stones inlaid in its silver frame. A dark red tourmaline taken from the crown of Catherine I was also used as a decoration.
Diamond diadem of Empress Elizabeth Alekseevna
This diadem, adorned with a pink diamond, is from the wedding set of the Grand Duchesses of the Romanov dynasty.
Large agraph buckle and earrings
Presumably, its author is Pozier. Initially they belonged to Catherine II. Cherry earrings were later also included in the wedding set of brides of the house of Romanov.
Bracelet with a portrait of Emperor Alexander I
The portrait of the emperor is not enclosed under glass, it is covered with an extraordinary diamond of rare purity.
Marks of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called
Decoration of the order hat
One of the signs of the Order of St. Catherine.
Order of the Golden Fleece
This ancient and honorable order was established back in 1429. They were awarded only to representatives of the most ancient noble families.
Emerald medallion
"Big bouquet"
A magnificent precious bouquet, striking with a variety of color shades of the stones used, the hand of a great master is felt. Belonged to Empress Elizabeth Petrovna.
Bando Tiara and Earrings
Bouquet of daffodils
Egret - decoration for hairstyles or hats
A very unusual decoration, which is a fountain of diamond jets, at the ends of which are loosely suspended sapphire droplets. At the slightest movement, deep blue lights flare up inside the sapphires, casting their blue shadows over the sparkling diamonds.
Portbouquet
This decoration was pinned to a dress as a miniature vase, into which a small bunch of fresh flowers was inserted.
Tourmaline pink
The stone of rare beauty was presented to Catherine II by King Gustav III of Sweden in 1777 during his visit to Russia. For a long time it was considered a ruby. His engraving in the form of a bunch of grapes is very unusual.
Parure "Bow-sklavage" of Empress Catherine II
A sklawage is a small necklace worn on a wide ribbon of lace or velvet. Although the necklace is actually quite massive, it looks very light and delicate.
There are jewels of the Russian royal court and among 15 luxurious brooches that Queen Elizabeth II loves to wear and their stories.
