Iranian Crown Jewels

The Iranian Crown Jewels are a collection of crowns, tiaras, swords, shields, and a gilded globe set with gems held in the Central Bank's vault. The objects come from different periods and show skilled craftsmanship using gold, silver, and precious stones.

The collection grew significantly under Nader Shah in the 18th century, who acquired precious objects like the Darya-i Noor diamond through military campaigns in India. This period marked a peak in treasure acquisition for the Iranian monarchy.

The jewels show Persian royal artistry and display the creative wealth of different Iranian dynasties across centuries. Each piece reflects the tastes and values of the rulers who commissioned them.

The collection is located in the National Bank Treasury on Ferdowsi Street in Tehran and can be visited during regular opening hours. It is best to check in advance whether guided tours are available, as these often provide detailed explanations of the pieces.

The collection serves simultaneously as financial backing for Iran's currency and as a museum of national historical artifacts. This dual role makes the jewels far more than art objects—they function as part of the country's economic foundation.