Crown Jewels Of Iran

By V.B.Meen and A.D.Tushingham
University of Toronto Press
1968 ISBN 0-8020-1519-0

University of Toronto Press writes:

The most dazzling collection of gemstones and jewelry known in the world is the subject of this book and its 83-full color illustrations.

The Crown Jewels of Iran have been little more than a legend in the past. Travelers marveled at the splendor surrounding the shahs of ancient Persia; but few were permitted to examine it in any detail. Now the most spectacular objects have been placed on public display and form one of the country’s principal tourist attractions.

The authors have made the first scientific study of the treasures stored in Tehran. They report on a profusion of gemstone without match as a group in number, size or quality. The existence of many of the stones had been only rumored until their study; others were totally unknown to gemologists. The collection contains half the world’s known cut diamonds of more than 100 carats; scores of emeralds two inches or more in diameter; a gigantic 500-carat spinel; a unique assemblage of rubies.

The settings are no less remarkable—whether part of the Imperial Regalia, an item of jewelry, an object of dinnerware, or a royal toy.

Each of the objects illustrated is accompanied by gemological data. Each also is placed in historical context. The Crown Jewels were gathered by conquest, purchase and gift. Their story reflects the past of the nation, the society and the personalities for which they were fashioned.

About the authors
V.B.Meen was Chief Mineralogist of the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto until his death in 1971.
A.D.Tushingham is Chief Archeologist of the Royal Ontario Museum and Professor of Near Eastern Studies in the University of Toronto.