The so-called Minor Crown is encrusted with more than 800 small gems and 70 rubies and has been appraised at more than $7 million. It was given as a gift to the granddaughter of poet Alexander Pushkin in 1891.
Parex Bank, which looks after the crown, would not release the name of its newest owner, but spokeswoman Natalya Rodionova said the man will keep it at the bank until he gets the necessary insurance and documentation to bring it back to Russia.
She said its most recent owner was Marchioness Sara Milford-Haven.
The crown was brought to Russia in January for possible sale by its owner. She was at the time represented by businessman Artyom Tarasov, who made headlines in 1989 by claiming to be the first Soviet millionaire.
A Russian group, the Fund for the Salvation of National Cultural and Historical Treasures, had sought to return the crown to Russia.
The crown was a wedding gift from Grand Duke Mikhail Mikhailovich, the grandson of Tsar Nicholas I, to his fiancee, Sofia Nikolayevna Merenberg.
After they wed, the couple left Russia because the reigning emperor at the time, Alexander III, deemed their marriage unworthy of the royal family.
The couple took the crown with them to London where they eventually settled. It had been passed down through their family.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.