Article: PERSIAN PAST IS EVOKED BY JEWELS.(News/National/International)

Byline: Anwar Faruqi Associated Press

TEHRAN, Iran -- The Shah of Shahs is long gone, but his Peacock Throne remains, part of a stunning collection of crown jewels that evokes the imperial Persian past of today's revolutionary Iran.

Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, pearls and other gems glitter in the tens of thousands in a cavernous walk-in vault at Bank Melli. Tourists are allowed to view the dazzling display as part of the Islamic government's effort to attract foreign visitors and their cash.

The collection contains more than half of the world's largest cut diamonds - some as big as walnuts.

The gem-encrusted Peacock Throne ...

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