Diamond Vaults

Officially known as the State Diamond Fund, the Diamond Vaults are located in the Armory Museum of the Kremlin. The collection was started by Peter the Great who had seen other royal families’ jewel collections and decried that his successors should leave remarkable pieces to the state for a permanent treasure trove. Originally housed in the Winter Palace, the collection was moved to Moscow and hidden beneath the Kremlin when the Germans were approaching in World War I. Unfortunately, many pieces were sold off by the government in the 1920s to raise state funds. The collection went on display in 1967 but was reserved for viewing by state dignitaries. However, in the 1990s, after the fall of Communism when there was a renewed interest in the country’s royal history, the Vaults were opened to the public. Today, it ranks as one of the top jewel collections in the world—maybe surpassed only by England’s crown jewels. Among the treasures to look out for are the world’s largest sapphire and the Orlov diamond. Indagare members can contact the Bookings Team to arrange a visit.