Unique artifacts on display in Museum of Antique Gems and Jewelry
The archeological discoveries show that Iranian women have used jewelry for over 5,000 years. High-ranking men also wore jewelry, from golden necklaces and bracelets to bejeweled scepters and swords.
The Museum of Antique Gems and Jewelry, located in Mirdamad Boulevard in Tehran, is a place where you can visit a luxurious and unique treasure of ancient Iranian jewelry and ornaments, ISNA wrote.
About 800 objects are on display in the museum, some of which were collected from the museums of Mostazafan Foundation.
The first section of the museum, called “Gems and Jewelry of Ancient Iran,” features women’s jewelry made of shells and stones. For many visitors, it is awe-inspiring to see so much delicacy in jewels dating back thousands of years.
As time progressed, the jewelry production technique advanced and new pieces were made of bronze, glass, gold and baked clay, with colorful patterns.
In the showcases of the museum, displaying ornaments made during the Parthian, Sassanid and Achaemenid periods, the progress gained by the jewelry-making industry is much more tangible.
Some objects of the museum are unique including a piece of a gold-made scepter, dating back to the Achaemenid era, decorated with lapis lazuli. Some other gold cups and bracelets, being showcased in the museum, show off the artistic elegance of this historical period as well.
In the next section of the museum, the jeweled weapons of the Safavid and Qajar kings are exhibited, the most unique of which is the golden sword of Fat’hali Shah Qajar (1772-1834 CE).
The sword’s hilt, having a purple velvet sheath, is made of bone, decorated with diamonds, emeralds and rubies. The diamond sword of Mohammad Shah Qajar (1808-1848 CE) and the golden sword of Shah Abbas Safavid (1571-1629 CE) are other outstanding artifacts exhibited there.
Another section, featuring gems, watches, pearls and diamonds is also very eye-catching, especially the items made by the world’s most famous jewelry brands.
All works have been authenticated and dated before putting on display. You are recommended to visit the Museum of Antique Gems and Jewelry with a guide who would tell you the story behind the jewels and ornaments on display.
The Museum of Antique Gems and Jewelry offers a new discourse in its field of specialization and has a different view from other museums in its field; a perspective that can have important effects on the country’s jewelry industry.
Like other forms of art, jewelry is a reflection of the feelings and intelligence of its creator. When human beings began to live collectively, they paid more attention to adornment, beauty, and the use of accessories to beautify themselves and their living environment. Search for beauty was one of their inner needs. The first pieces of jewelry made by human beings were inspired by nature, but gradually, through their creativity and innovations, more sophisticated pieces were made, some of which were magnificent and spectacular works of art.