What s interesting about the Diamond Fund?
Back in 1719, Emperor Peter I issued a decree to allocate premises for the storage of state valuables, and from that moment the history of the Diamond Fund began. This place became home to many jewels and orders that were used by the ruling family and worn on special occasions of great importance. The court craftsmen were highly skilled specialists in their craft and created products that brought a sense of luxury and grandeur to the imperial Russian court. Under Catherine II, a new room was allocated for jewelry. During the war, they were transported from St. Petersburg to Moscow and placed in the Kremlin Armory to protect them from possible invaders. In the 1950s, new diamond collections were added to the museum, and these gemstones have been featured in this unique exhibition ever since. In 1967, the exhibition was opened with limited access to commemorate the anniversaries of the USSR and the revolution. However, its enormous popularity led to the fact that the “Diamond Fund” in the Armory Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin became a permanent museum. To this day, the collection features unique items that have historical and artistic significance. Revered throughout the world, the treasury attracts many foreign visitors who come to admire it. In 2016, a series of limited edition coins was issued – “Russian Diamond Fund”. The products are based on silver, and the design reflects the most significant treasures. Exhibition items were also featured on stamps issued in 2017. These rare specimens are not easy to obtain. The treasures of the Diamond Fund can be divided into the following groups: Coronation regalia: Here are items that were used on ceremonial occasions, including coronations. The Diamond Fund boasts two historical crowns, the most famous of which is the Great Imperial Crown, created by Eckart and Pozier in honor of the rise to power of Catherine II. This ornate piece is studded with thousands of diamonds, 75 pearls from India and 398 carats of spinel. It comes with a sapphire sphere, a scepter and other ceremonial artifacts. Nuggets from the Diamond Fund: This exhibition introduces visitors to a collection of gold and platinum nuggets. The collection contains 101 examples of these precious stones, which were found in various places throughout Russia. Gold nuggets in the Diamond Fund are of great value, since such finds are usually sent for melting down. Diamonds in the Diamond Fund: This is a collection of large personalized jewelry gemstones. The most massive of them is called “XXVI Congress of the CPSU”; it weighs 342 carats. Great stones of the Russian Diamond Fund: The museum houses seven precious stones known throughout the world. The collection consists of 3 diamonds and 4 gems. Each piece has its own unique story. The largest of them, the Orlov diamond, weighing 190 carats, was originally used as decoration for the scepter of Empress Catherine II. The “Shah” diamond in the “Diamond Fund” has a small weight – 88 carats, but is valuable for the inscriptions engraved on it in Persian. Those who have seen these magnificent stones, worth millions of dollars, agree that it is an incredible experience. Jewelry in the “Diamond Fund” ser. XVIII century: The diamonds in this collection serve as part of the jewelry. They are characterized by colorful, asymmetrical compositions. For example, the “Big Bouquet” decoration, made for Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, with diamonds in the shape of flowers, including a rare lilac diamond weighing 15,5 carats. 2nd floor XVIII century: represented by jewelry with a large number of diamonds. The stones of the “Diamond Fund” of Russia, which were preferred by masters at that time, have light shades, mainly white diamonds. Beginning of the 19th century Diamond Fund tiaras: a characteristic item for decorating ladies’ hairstyles in the first third of the 19th century. The accessories were stylized as a kokoshnik, known in the West as the “Russian tiara”. Orders of the Russian Empire: these items from the collection were made for members of the imperial house. Among the exhibits is the famous Order of St. Apostle Andrew the First-Called, introduced by Peter I.
Diamond Fund – video review
Are you crazy about jewelry and precious stones? Is history connected for you primarily with such exhibits as the scepter and the imperial crown? We are pleased to offer you a tour of the Diamond Fund. One of the most exciting trips within the walls of the Kremlin is an excursion to the Diamond Fund. You will learn many interesting facts and see some of Russia’s treasures. The exhibits presented at the exhibition fascinate with their beauty and grandeur. They will be of interest not only to diamond lovers, but also to representatives of both sexes and all ages. You can learn masterpieces of jewelry, nuggets, precious stones, and historical events associated with them by visiting the unforgettable exhibition of the Diamond Fund.
An excursion to the Moscow Kremlin is a real pleasure
Founded under Peter I in the 1967th century, the collection of the Diamond Fund became available to the public only in XNUMX. During the reign of the Romanov dynasty, the collection significantly expanded its holdings. Beginning with Peter I, who issued a decree on the storage of state valuables, the collection was replenished with imperial regalia and unique jewelry and ornaments from all over the world. The foundation received most of the most valuable exhibits during the reign of Elizabeth I and Catherine II. Exactly The Great Imperial Crown was made for Catherine II, which is one of the most significant exhibits of the Diamond Fund and the main symbol of the Russian monarchy from 1762 to 1917. To create it, jewelers used 4936 diamonds, 75 pearls, and the crown was crowned with a rare spinel stone weighing 398,72 carats. Later, in her likeness, the Small Imperial Crown was made, which is also kept in the Diamond Fund. In 1762, under Catherine II, a special room was created to store numerous treasures, which later became the Diamond Room. Another exhibit representing imperial power in Russia is the orb or “Tsar’s Apple,” also made for Catherine II in 1762. It owes its modern appearance to Paul I, who complemented it with a 200-carat Ceylon sapphire, placing it under a cross and a large diamond weighing 46,92 carats in the center of the diamond belts. Like other imperial regalia, the imperial scepter, created in the same year as the Great Imperial Crown and Orb, is of great value. It is decorated with the Orlov diamond, which is the largest in the Diamond Fund’s collection of historical precious stones.
Tickets to the Diamond Fund for foreigners
You will be able to immerse yourself in the world of diamonds and sapphires, see with your own eyes the symbols of royal greatness, and also learn a lot of interesting things from the history of the Russian Empire and the USSR. A group excursion to the Diamond Fund is conducted in Russian and foreign languages. Professional guides will conduct an unforgettable visit in the desired language.
You can find out ticket prices and view the schedule on our website, as well as by calling our managers at the specified phone numbers. Remember that all prohibited items, as well as video cameras, canes and tablets, must be checked into a storage room before visiting the Kremlin.
SCHEDULE – EXCURSION TO THE DIAMOND FUND
Excursions to the Diamond Fund are held daily except Thursdays and holidays. First session at 10.00. Lunch break from 13.00 to 14.00 Last session at 17.20. Tours run every 40 minutes. Duration – 45-50 minutes. The maximum number of people in one group is 20 people.
Visiting rules:
– You cannot bring backpacks, large bags (even if they are empty), edged weapons, gas cartridges, sharp objects, food, all of the above items BEFORE the appointed time of group gathering, you must hand them over to the storage room located in the Kremlin territory. in the Alexander Garden (to the right of the Kutafya Tower and Trinity Bridge); – You cannot take video cameras, canes, or tablets with you. All these items must be checked into the wardrobe; – Photos and video prohibited
