Did you know that one of the most extraordinary royal crowns in history was created inside a vault and never left the country it belonged to?
In 1967, Farah Pahlavi was crowned empress in Tehran, marking a historic moment as she became the first consort to be officially crowned in centuries of Persian monarchy. But what made the occasion even more remarkable was the crown itself—designed exclusively for her coronation.
The responsibility of creating this masterpiece was given to Van Cleef & Arpels, one of the world’s most prestigious jewellery houses. However, there was a unique challenge. The gemstones selected for the crown were part of Iran’s national treasury and could not be taken out of the country under any circumstances.
Instead of moving the jewels, the jewellers brought their craft to them. Van Cleef & Arpels set up a workshop inside the treasury, effectively working within a secure vault to bring the crown to life. Over several months, they made multiple trips, carefully selecting and assembling the stones to create a design that blended royal tradition with modern elegance.
The final crown was nothing short of breathtaking. It featured 1,469 diamonds, 105 pearls, along with emeralds, rubies, and spinels. At its centre sat a magnificent carved emerald weighing approximately 92 carats, making it one of the most striking elements of the piece.
On the day of the coronation, Farah Pahlavi wore the crown with a gown by Christian Dior, reflecting a deliberate fusion of Persian heritage and global couture. In a defining moment, the crown was placed on her head by Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, symbolising both power and continuity.
What makes this crown even more fascinating is what followed. Unlike most royal crowns that are passed down through generations, this one was worn only once. After the fall of the monarchy in 1979, it was never used again and remained in Tehran as part of the nation’s state-owned treasures.
Today, it stands as more than just a piece of jewellery. It represents a fleeting moment in history—crafted in secrecy, worn for a single occasion, and preserved forever within the country it was made for.
