One of the largest collections of gem stones and diamond in the world is found in the Iranian Imperial Crown Jewels. This collection of diamond, gem stones and incredible works of intricate design is also known as the Imperial Crown Jewels of Persia. This remarkable collection is a collection of the many thrones, rubies, gem stones, diamond, swords, shields, plates and myriad other precious works of bejeweled artifacts that span the 2500 year reign of the Iranian, or Persian, monarchy.

Amongst the stones in this astounding collection of diamond and other gem stones are two of the world’s largest and most valuable diamonds. The Iranian Crown Jewels include the Koh-i-Noor diamond and the Darya-ye-Noor diamond. The worth of these gem stones goes well beyond a mere monetary value. Each diamond, along with the rest of the collection of gem stones and artifacts are considered to be of such an immense value that they are used as a reserve in backing the Iranian currency. A collection of gem stones, diamond and artifacts must be valuable indeed to serve as a reserve to a nation’s currency.

A diamond of 182 carats, the Darya-ye-Noor diamond is one of the most remarkable and arresting gem stones in the world. This diamond holds a remarkable place even amongst other remarkable gem stones. This is due not only to its enormous size, but also to its extraordinary color. The Darya-ye-Noor diamond is a rare gem stone indeed, in that it is a pink diamond. The pink diamond is the rarest of colors found in diamond gem stones, and it is the exceptional light pink color of this diamond, along with its size, that makes it such a significant gem.

While some of the collection of these gem stones, diamond, and other artifacts dates back to the beginning of the Iranian monarchy, most of it was collected during the years of the Safavid shahs whose dynasty ruled from 1502-1736 AD. It was during this dynasty that the Iranians added many of the most remarkable diamond and gem pieces to their Imperial collection. Towards the end of this dynasty, however, the Afghans invaded Iran, pillaged the then capital of Isfahan, and made off with many of the gem stones, diamond and other valuable parts of the collection.

The next Iranian dynasty, however, was to reclaim Iran within a few years from the Afghans and by 1738 had returned much of the Imperial collection of gem stones, diamond and artifacts. In addition to regaining much of the old collection, the new dynasty Shah, Nader Shah Afshar, added some of the greatest gem stones, thrones and other artifacts to the collection. Included in these new additions of gem stones were the Koh-i-Noor diamond and the Darya-ye-Noor diamond.

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 led many to believe that the gem stones and diamond of the vast Imperial Crown Jewels Collection would disappear. However, these fears were proved to be unfounded as the Imperial Collection of gem stones, diamond and myriad artifacts have been placed on public display in Iran since the 1990s. Now, anyone who can find their way into Iran can have the opportunity to examine and enjoy this unique and outstanding collection of diamond, gem stones and age-old artifacts for themselves.