History
The collection of Diamond Fund began to be created in the 18th century under Peter I, who decided: the treasury values should be kept in a special room and under special protection. A room was allocated in St. Petersburg, which, on the occasion of such a responsible mission, was called the Diamond Room. State regalia, ceremonial jewelry, which the Romanovs wore only for special events, were kept here.
To make these jewelry, Peter I invited jewelers from all over Europe. The Swiss Jeremiah Pozier was very popular at the royal court of the 18th century. It was he who was commissioned to make a large imperial crown for the coronation of Catherine II in 1762. This is the very regalia that all Russian monarchs were crowned with until the 1917 revolution.
Throughout the centuries of the Romanovs’ reign, the treasury was constantly replenished with jewels. Until the outbreak of the First World War, everything was stored in St. Petersburg. Then the crown values, imperial regalia and valuable documents of the Romanovs’ house were transported to the Moscow Kremlin and placed in the Armory. Here they stayed.
What to watch
The Imperial Power is a symbol of power made of gold, diamonds, sapphire, diamond and silver.
The Great Imperial Crown of the Russian Empire is the main symbol of monarchs from the end of the 18th century until the revolution. Consists of gold, silver, 4936 diamonds, pearls and spinel (this is such a rare mineral that used to be often confused with ruby). Weight – 2 kilograms. If we count the value of all the precious stones in the crown, its total value will be 823,976 rubles.
Imperial scepter of Catherine II with diamond “Orlov” (189.62 carats). The diamond was found in India in the 17th century, and the Count Orlov who bought it presented the jewel to Catherine II as a gift.
The exhibits are located in two halls. The first one contains precious stones from all over the territory of the former Soviet Union. There is also a map of Russia made of diamonds. In the second hall, you will see historical values.
Tours are conducted every 20 minutes. Please note that filming, including amateur photography, is prohibited in the Moscow Kremlin’s Diamond Fund.
Diamond Fund of the Moscow Kremlin
Today, the unique collection of masterpieces of jewelry of The Diamond Fund of Russia is the subject of the permanent exhibition, which consists of two halls, and divided into seven groups. These groups are – Crown imperial regalia; Signs of Order, Insignia; Jewelry of the XVIII – XIX centuries; Works by craftsmen of the second half of the XX century; Diamonds from Russian deposits; Rare jewelry and ornamental stones; Gold and platinum nuggets. One of the few treasuries in the world the collection features rare precious stones, gold and platinum nuggets of great historic, artistic and scientific importance, as well as great material value. The collection is on a permanent display at the exhibition situated on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin. The Diamond Fund dates back to the time of Peter I.
