A Look at Farah Pahlavi’s Luxury Jewelry and Gem-Encrusted Wardrobe: Public Funds Turned into Personal Display + Photos

Friday, January 09, 2026

SAEDNEWS: Those who remember the 1930s and 1940s probably recall seeing images of Farah Pahlavi in magazines, books, films, and documentaries of the era—adorned with necklaces and jeweled crowns. Farah Diba was the third wife of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

A Look at Farah Pahlavi’s Luxury Jewelry and Gem-Encrusted Wardrobe: Public Funds Turned into Personal Display + Photos

One of the most stunning necklaces on display at the National Jewelry Museum of Iran is the necklace Farah wore at her wedding. This necklace accompanied her during her coronation as well. Its creation dates back to 1346 in the Iranian calendar (1967 CE). This precious and exquisitely crafted piece was commissioned by the royal court from one of the finest jewelers of the time, Van Cleef & Arpels.

The necklace is made of gold and platinum, adorned with a large, finely cut emerald. Smaller emeralds surround it, decorated with pearls of varying sizes. The royal grandeur of Farah Pahlavi’s necklace is further enhanced by white diamonds, which shine brilliantly alongside other small and large gemstones. Above the central emerald, yellow diamonds and pearls create a dazzling display. The coronation necklace of Farah Pahlavi is now accessible in one of the museum’s display cases. Van Cleef & Arpels crafted it in 1346 (1967).

After the revolution, some of these jewels left Iran, while the remainder was preserved at the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran and made available to the public. These jewels are so valuable that their worth cannot be measured purely in monetary terms, as they are unmatched in craftsmanship and intricacy.

Viewing them is a captivating experience, not only for Iranians but also for international tourists. If you visit the museum, you will likely see many admirers marveling at these treasures.

The French company Van Cleef & Arpels created Farah’s crown and jewelry. Founded in 1896, the brand is renowned for its jewelry and watches, worn not only by Farah but also by Elizabeth Taylor.

The creation of this crown involved numerous consultations and planning, ultimately being made with white gold and a green velvet cap—a color with special significance in Iranian culture. The crown incorporated diamonds, pearls, rubies, and emeralds, weighing 1,489 grams.

These jewels shone even brighter when paired with Farah’s equally exquisite coronation attire. She wore a luxurious green velvet robe, adorned with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and gold embroidery, over a long white dress crafted by the same brand and tailor.

The back of the robe featured the Pahlavi emblem, surrounded by rubies and emeralds. This section of Farah’s outfit was sewn by a tailor from the famous brand Christian Dior.

Visitors can also see this outfit at the National Jewelry Museum.

One of the most priceless and beautiful royal jewels given to Farah at her wedding was the Noor-ol-Ain Crown, commissioned from Harry Winston, famously known as the “King of Diamonds.” From childhood, he had an extraordinary talent for identifying the most valuable gemstones, which many believed was innate.

The Noor-ol-Ain Crown features a 60-carat pink diamond. This precious jewel was brought to Iran from India by Iranian soldiers.

1. What is the Noor-ol-Ain Crown?

The Noor-ol-Ain Crown is one of the most priceless and beautiful royal jewels presented to Farah at her wedding, crafted by Harry Winston.

2. What is one of the most stunning necklaces on display at the National Jewelry Museum of Iran?

It is the necklace Farah wore at her wedding.