Diamond Fund (Almazny Fond), Moscow

Dating back to a royal treasury established by Peter the Great, Diamond Fund (Almazny Fond) stores and exhibits a vast collection of raw and cut diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. Although part of a world-famous armory museum, located inside the city's fortified complex of historical buildings, this collection of state jewels functions as a separate institution. Highlights include a 190-carat diamond given to Catherine the Great by her purported lover Count Orlov, the world's largest sapphire, and an imperial crown decorated with almost 5,000 diamonds of exceptional quality. You can access the exhibit by guided tour only, so try to book your visit in advance. Due to tight security measures, visitors may not bring cameras, phones, or bags of any sort. For Diamond Fund (Almazny Fond) and beyond, use our Moscow travel route planner to get the most from your Moscow vacation.