The Romanov family had one of the most impressive jewel collections in Europe. However, during the Russian Revolution, the new government claimed the collection and several pieces mysteriously went missing. 

Tsar Nicholas II was forced to abdicate on 15 March 1917. Shortly after, Nicolas and his family were imprisoned and they would be held at various locations until they were executed by the Bolsheviks on 17 July 1918. 

The Bolshevik government took control of the family’s property, including the Russian crown jewels and other pieces. And they began to quickly move. 

A 1922 book titled The Romanov Diamond Fund has images of the Romanov collection. However, the government did not publish an official inventory of the jewels with photographs until 1925. And there are four pieces included in the 1922 images but not in the 1925 list. 

A diadem, a necklace, a bracelet, and a brooch- where are they now? 

Researchers were able to locate a record of the sapphire, bow-designed brooch; it was sold at auction in 1927 in London. However, the other three pieces’ location remains a mystery. 

While many of the surviving Russian crown jewels are now on display at the Hermitage, the Bolsheviks did seek to liquidate assets in the 1920s. It is very possible that other pieces were sold.