Treasury of National Jewels
The National Jewels Treasury of Iran is a museum that houses some of the most precious jewelry in the world. It is located in Tehran and is part of the Central Bank of Iran. This museum showcases the incredible art, culture, and creativity of ancient Iran.
History
The National Jewels Treasury was established during the Safavid dynasty in Isfahan, which was the capital at the time. The Safavid sultans collected valuable gems and jewels, some of which were obtained from the Ottomans, Indians, Italy, and France. Today, the museum displays a vast collection of royal jewels that are considered national treasures. However, these treasures were looted and dispersed by Afghan invaders during Mahmud Hotak’s arrival in Iran at the end of Soltan Hoseyn’s reign. When Shah Tahmasap II arrived in Isfahan with Nader Shah, some of these jewels fell into Nader’s hands, and he prevented them from leaving Iran. Despite writing letters to the Indian court to recover other jewels that had gone to India, Nader did not receive a favorable response. After Nader Shah’s campaign to India, some of the jewels and treasury property were surrendered to him by Muhammad Shah and returned to Iran. Nader Shah presented some of these jewels to kings of neighboring countries, divided a portion among his troops, and presented the remaining part to the threshold of Imam Reza. However, Ahmad Shah Abdali looted Nader Shah’s treasury, which led to the removal of the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond from Iran. The collection of Iran’s national treasures expanded during the Qajar era by collecting, recording, and placing new jewels. Kiani Crown, Naderi Throne, Kore Javaher Nishan, Sun Throne, Nader Shah Sword, Noor-ul-Ain Diamond, Samarian Spinel, and Golden Belt are some of the treasures that can be found in this museum. The National Jewels Treasury was originally kept in the Golestan Palace during the Qajar dynasty and then in the basement of the Marmar Palace during the first Pahlavi reign. The museum was opened in 1334 SH with the establishment of the Central Bank of Iran and has since exposed numerous jewels of the Safavid, Afsharid, Qajar, and Pahlavi dynasties to the public.
Visiting Hours
The museum is open for visitors on Saturdays through Tuesdays, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
