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Empress Farah Diba’s Crown

The Empress Farah Diba’s Crown and the Empress herself attracted much of the attention at coronation time. However, the Shahanshah and his crown were the prime reason for the event. The Pahlevi Crown, as it is known, was made for Reza Shah, the father of the present Shah, who overthrew the Qajar dynasty and assumed power in 1925. Both he and his son have spurned the older Kiani Crown of the Qajar rulers. This newer crown is as resplendent in gold and gems as any monarch could wish. There are reputedly 3383 mounted diamonds that are used only for background patterns. To outline the peak and headband of the crown, there are 369 large natural pearls, many in matching sets. Centering a sunburst pattern of rays on the front is a cushion-brilliant diamond, weighing about 60 carats, of pale yellow color loose diamonds. There is also a 10-carat colorless, marquise-cut diamond engagement ring set above the sunburst. The two major emeralds are truly magnificent stones, the largest, of about 100 carats, set at the rear. The other, 65 carats diamond engagement rings, is beautifully carved and mounted at the top of the crown. Two 20-carat blue sapphires flank the 100-carat emerald at the back.