The jewels of the Russian Crown have always been the most ostentatious in Europe, full of diamonds, rubies and sapphires flaunting superiority. They are also made of materials such as gold and the most impressive gems. Let’s read about these amazing jewels.
An example of this is the famous Monomakh’s cap, the oldest of the insignia of the Russian Tsars. It is made of gold plates and decorated with more than 40 precious stones among which are sapphires, rubies, emeralds and pearls. In addition, it has saber skin on the edge. This piece, in the shape of an Asian headdress, was elaborated at the end of the 14th century, given to Prince Ivan Katita and was only used at the time of his coronation of him. The last Russian czar who wore the Monomakh’s cap was Ivan V.
Another famous jewel in the Russian Crown is the Orlov Diamond, which was owned by Catherine “The Great” and adorned the royal scepter. According to legend, Catherine’s lover, Gregory Orlov, gave this 189.62 carat stone to Catherine, although others say that it was the empress who acquired the beautiful gem with money from the royal treasury.
This huge diamond was part of the statue of god Ranganatha in a Hindu sanctuary and according to the story, it was stolen by a French soldier, then brought to London, and after being owned by several different people, it ended up in Catherine The Great’s collection. Although the way it was obtained is still unclear.
The so-called Vladimir Tiara is a beautiful piece of diamonds and pearls in the form of drops, which had its origin in the Russian Empire during the nineteenth century. It was a gift from Duke Vladimir Aljandrovich to Marie of Mecklenburg for her wedding. After the revolution, the duchess managed to escape with her jewels de ella and years later after her death de ella, her daughter de ella sold the jewels to Queen Mary of Teck, grandmother of Elizabeth II, who now holds the famous tiara on a regular basis.
According to historians, Alexandra Feodorovna, wife of Nicholas II, owned the most impressive collection of jewels in the Russian Empire. Highlighting a Fabergé flower brooch, adorned with colored diamonds and a spear made of large pearls. These jewels were transferred to Siberia by the Empress, changing the buttons of her clothes for diamonds and camouflaging other jewels of value inside the hats, belts and underwear. When the royal family was executed, the jewels passed into the hands of the Bolsheviks.
However, these are just some of the jewels of the Russian Crown. The Imperial Crown, which has 4936 diamonds, seven historical stones from the Russian collection, decorated with pearls and weighing 398.72 carats, is also well known and of great value. The spinel, is topped by a diamond cross.