The Diamond Fund is a unique collection of gems, jewelry and natural nuggets, which are stored and exhibited in the Kremlin Armoury in Russia. The Fund was opened in 1967 and its collection dates back to the Russian Crown treasury instituted by Emperor Peter I of Russia in 1719.
Stamps exhibiting some of the Diamond Fund collection
Imperial scepter with the "Orlov" diamond
A copy of the Imperial Crown of Russia as made in 1762 for the coronation of Catherine the Great
Daffodil Bouquet, 18th century, exhibited in the Diamond Fund (1971 postage stamp)
The Imperial crown of Russia, also known as the great imperial crown, was used for the coronation of the monarchs of Russia from 1762 until the Russian monarchy's abolition in 1917. The great imperial crown was first used in the coronation by Catherine the Great, and it was last worn at the coronation of Nicholas II. It was displayed prominently next to Nicholas II on a cushion at the State Opening of the Russian Duma inside the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg in 1906. It survived the 1917 revolution and ensuing civil war and is currently on display in Moscow at the Kremlin Armoury's State Diamond Fund.
Modern replica using real gems and white gold
Russian regalia used prior to the creation of the great imperial crown
1896 image of the crown (at bottom)
Postcard with the crown, c. 1924
