Kiani Crown (Qajar Crown)
The Kiani Crown symbolized the imperial authority of the Qajar dynasty. During a turbulent period marked by wars with Russia and the Ottoman Empire, as well as internal uprisings, the crown repeatedly faced the threat of looting or sale. Following the humiliating Treaties of Golestan (1813) and Turkmenchay (1828), Fath-Ali Shah Qajar preserved part of the royal treasury to safeguard the legitimacy of his reign.
According to historical accounts, the crown nearly fell into Russian hands during a military incursion but was secretly smuggled out of the capital by a loyal courtier in disguise. It was later returned to the national treasury.
Today, the Kiani Crown is preserved in the Iranian National Jewels Treasury at the Central Bank of Iran.
Darya-ye Noor Diamond
The Darya-ye Noor (Sea of Light), twin to the famed Koh-i-Noor, is one of the largest known pink diamonds in the world. It was seized, along with the Koh-i-Noor, during Nader Shah’s 18th-century campaign against the Mughal Empire in India. Following Nader Shah’s assassination, much of his treasury was looted; however, the Darya-ye Noor remained in the possession of the Afsharid family and eventually reentered the Qajar treasury.
Legend holds that after Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar defeated Lotf Ali Khan Zand, the diamond was hidden beneath a garden in Kerman. A Zand commander, in an effort to save his family, revealed its location.
The Darya-ye Noor is currently housed in the Iranian National Jewels Treasury.
Fath-Ali Shah’s Golden Belt
This ceremonial belt, adorned with large diamonds and emeralds, was created for Fath-Ali Shah Qajar. During periods of civil strife and Turkmen raids, rumors circulated that the belt had circulated among Turkmen tribes as a form of ransom or bargaining tool.
It is said that the belt was ultimately recovered and restored to the Qajar treasury after a substantial payment.
Some researchers believe certain original gemstones were replaced during the Pahlavi era, following the alleged theft of the primary jewels.
The belt is currently preserved in the Iranian National Jewels Treasury.
Achaemenid Gold Rhyton with Griffin (Golden Rhyton of Susa)
This gold rhyton, shaped as a griffin (Shirdal), is one of the most iconic Achaemenid artifacts unearthed in Susa. During the late Qajar and early Pahlavi periods, many ancient Iranian relics were smuggled abroad by foreign archaeologists, looters, and antiquities traffickers.
This particular artifact was discovered during French-led excavations in Susa. According to the Morgan Agreement, it was slated to be transferred to the Louvre Museum. However, an Iranian archaeologist, Engineer Zabihollah Safa, successfully negotiated to prevent its export.
It is said that, on a rainy night, the rhyton was hidden in an iron box and transported by camel caravan from Dezful to Tehran to escape potential looters.
Today, the artifact is exhibited at the National Museum of Iran (Museum of Ancient Iran).
Marlik Golden Earrings (Marlik Treasure)
Marlik, located in northern Iran (Gilan Province), is one of the most enigmatic ancient cemeteries in the country, dating back approximately 3,000 years. Scientific excavations began there in the 1950s, following widespread illicit digs and looting during the 1940s and 1950s.
Among the treasures salvaged were several pairs of exquisitely crafted gold earrings, discovered by Dr. Ezatollah Negahban, widely known as the father of scientific archaeology in Iran. Local villagers played a crucial role in saving these artifacts from being trafficked.
A local shepherd reportedly stumbled upon the entrance to a tomb while cutting down a tree. Instead of selling the jewelry, he secretly alerted Dr. Negahban—an act that led to the preservation of a pristine part of the Marlik treasure.
These earrings are now held in the National Museum of Iran.
