The Diamond Fund

by: Annalisa Beck

Introduction Russian Emperors have been collecting jewels since

the time of Kievan Rus. Jewels during that time were stylized like those from

the Byzantine Empire. Little changed in design of jewels from Kievan Rus to

the founding of the Diamond Fund; however, the reasons behind acquiring jewels did change.

Peter I founded the first version of the Diamond Fund in 1719.

He believed that preserving jewels would add to the glory of Russia.

Peter and the Jewels

Peter I was inspired to create the Diamond Fund from his various travels through Western Europe.

He liked the idea of collecting jewels that did not only belong to the Romanovs, but to the State.

NECK BADGE OF THE ORDER OF ST. ANNE

CIRCA 1760

Peter and the Jewels

Caesar's Ruby. 17th Century

Peter I ordered that all future rulers must leave a portion of their jewels to the state.

Elizabeth I, Peter III, and Catherine II added various pieces to the Diamond Fund.

Catherine II added her Caesar's Ruby that was gifted to her from King Gustav III of Sweden.

Paul and the Jewels

Blue Diamond Stickpin

Circa 1800

Paul I (1796-1801) added several jewels that belonged to him and his wife Maria Feodorovna.

One such piece was the Blue Diamond Stickpin that was originally a ring.

The diamond belonged to the French royal family, but was given to Maria Feodorovna after the French Revolution.

Maria Feodorovna's Tiara

Diadem Diadem of Maria

Feodorovna, sold by the Soviet Government in 1929.

Assorted Jewels

SAPPHIRE BROOCH

CIRCA 1860

BROOCH IN THE FORM OF THE HORN OF PLENTY

CIRCA 1774

PAIR OF EARRINGS IN THE FORM OF BEES

CIRCA 1760

The Collection

Plastron which belonged to Alexandra Feodorovna, wife of Nicholas II.

1894-1917

After several generations the Diamond Fund became one of largest and important jewelry collections in the world.

It was prominent until the end of the Romanov Dynasty in 1917.

Conclusion

After the Russian Revolution in1917 the Diamond Fund was forgotten for ten years.

In 1926 -1927 the Romanov jewels were found in the Kremlin. 70% were sold at auction.

Today, the location of many jewels from the Diamond fund is unknown.

Some of the jewels can be seen in the jewel collections of heads of state.

Romanov cousin, Queen Elizabeth II of England wearing Vladimir Tiara, 1953.

Originally belonged to Grand Duchess Maria Vladimir Alexandrovich, 1890.

Sources

http://www.alexanderpalace.org/jewels/history.html

http://www.alexanderpalace.org/jewels/treasures.html

http://www.internetstones.com/grand-duchess-vladimir-tiara-queen-mary-elizabeth-ii.html#