Diamond Fund (Almazny Fond), Moscow

Diamond Fund is a unique collection of gems, jewelry and natural nuggets, stored and exhibited in Moscow Kremlin, Russia. The Fund dates back to the Russian Crown treasury instituted by emperor Peter I of Russia in 1719.
Peter's gem collection, established in 1719, was later stored in the Diamond Chamber in the Winter Palace. All succeeding monarchs added their contributions to the Chamber a 1922 study by Alexander Fersman identified 85% of all exhibits to 1719-1855 (from Peter I to Nicholas I) and only 15% for the last three emperors.

Preservation, sales and looting of imperial treasures after the Russian Revolution of 1917 is a matter of controversy. The Imperial collection was moved from Saint Petersburg to Moscow during World War I, the Soviet Diamond Fund was officially established in 1922. The treasure was first exhibited to the public in November 1967. Originally a short-term show, in 1968 it became a permanent exhibition.

The Russian State retains the mining and distribution of gemstones, as set by the 1998 law "On precious metals and precious stones". Diamond Fund operations are regulated by the 1999 presidential decree. The Diamond Fund is part of a larger State Fund of Precious Stones, managed by the Ministry of Finance, and accumulates the most valuable items, in particular-

• All raw diamonds exceeding 50 carats (10 g)


• All cut diamonds exceeding 20 carats (4 g), cut diamonds of exceptional quality exceeding 6 carats (1.2 g)


• All cut diamonds exceeding 20 carats (4 g), cut diamonds of exceptional quality exceeding 6 carats (1.2 g)


• Unique nuggets, amber, pearl and jewellery