People have treasured diamonds throughout history, and some of the world’s most famous diamonds are still revered today. Diamonds are prized for their incredible sparkle and brilliance, their beauty and rarity have made them symbols of wealth and luxury. This blog post will explore some of the most famous diamonds, from the Koh-i-Noor diamond to the Cullinan diamond. Each of these diamonds has a fascinating story; we’ll examine why they have been so highly sought after for centuries.
Koh-i-Noor
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond, also known as the mountain of light, is an infamous diamond with a long and complex history. The diamond is believed to have originated in India and is believed to have been in existence since at least the 1300s. Many different rulers and dynasties, including the Mughals, the Persian Empire, and the British Empire, have owned it. It is now part of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. The diamond is a remarkable 105.6 carat and is said to bring bad luck to any man who wears it. Despite its long and varied ownership, it remains an iconic symbol of India’s history and a source of pride for many.
Cullinan
The largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered is the Cullinan diamond, found in 1905 in South Africa and weighed a whopping 3,106.75 carats uncut. The Cullinan diamond yielded nine significant stones after it was cut, the two most prominent of which, the Cullinan I and Cullinan II, are set in the British Crown Jewels. Weighing 530.40 carats, The Cullinan I is the larger of the two and is the largest clear-cut diamond worldwide. The Cullinan II is the second largest clear-cut diamond, weighing 317.40 carats, and is set in the front of the Imperial State Crown of the United Kingdom. This diamond is a remarkable symbol of history and beauty that continues to fascinate people all over the world.
Centenary Diamond
The Centenary Diamond was first discovered, weighing 599 carats in its rough form. It was found in 1986 at the Premier Mine in South Africa. It is a type IIa diamond, meaning that it is composed of pure carbon and contains very few impurities. After over a year of work, the diamond was cut into its final form, a 273.85 heart-shaped diamond. It is graded as a D-color diamond, meaning that it is colorless. It is also graded as a Flawless diamond, meaning it has no inclusions or blemishes. Due to its incredible size, color, and clarity, the Centenary Diamond is considered one of the world’s most valuable diamonds. It is estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Regent
The Regent Diamond is a famous diamond that is part of the French Crown Jewels. It is a large, cushion-shaped diamond weighing 140.64 carats and is considered one of the most famous diamonds in the world. It was discovered in India in 1701 and named after the French Regent, Philippe II, Duke of Orléans. The diamond was later recut in 1721 to improve its clarity and decrease its weight to its current size. It is estimated to be worth around $400 million, making it one of the most valuable diamonds in the world.
The Great Chrysanthmum
The great Chrysanthemum Diamond is a magnificent gemstone known for its breathtaking beauty and remarkable history. The diamond was discovered in the Kimberly mines at the northern cape of south Africa in 1963. The Chrysanthemum Diamond is a spectacular Orange-brown diamond, weighing 104.15 carats, and is the 2nd largest pear-shaped brown diamond in the world. The Great Chrysanthemum has been displayed throughout the world but is presently owned today by Gerards of London.
Idols Eye
The Idols Eye Diamond is a rare and highly sought-after gemstone. The diamond is a large, light blue blue diamond weighing 70.21 carats and is one of the most expensive diamonds in the world. It is believed to have originated from the Golconda mines in India and has a long and mysterious history. It is said to have been stolen from the eye of a Hindu idol centuries ago and has been passed down through generations of owners. The diamond was eventually purchased by an anonymous buyer in 2006 and is currently part of a private collection. The Idols Eye Diamond is a true gem of beauty and mystery, and its rarity and value make it an exceptional piece of jewelry.
The Blue Hope
The blue Hope Diamond is a stunning 45.52-carat deep-blue diamond with a long and mysterious history. It is believed to have originated in India, where it was once part of a larger diamond. It eventually made its way to Europe and France, where King Louis XIV owned it, and finally passed through the hands of several other French rulers. Today, the diamond is on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., where it is a significant tourist attraction. The Hope Diamond has a unique triangular cut and is set in a beautiful pendant with 16 white diamonds. It is known for its deep, intense blue color and its unique history. It is a remarkable piece of history and a symbol of beauty and hope.
Sancy
The Sancy Diamond is a 55.23-carat pale yellow diamond with one of the longest-tracked histories of a diamond. It is rumored to have been owned by various European royal families throughout its existence. It is currently part of the French Crown Jewels and is one of the most prized possessions of the Louvre Museum in Paris. The Sancy Diamond is famous for its unique triangular shape and delicate pale yellow color, adding to its unique beauty. Its history is as mysterious as its beauty, and it is a marvel of the diamond world.
Hortensia
The Hortensia diamond is a breathtakingly beautiful 20-carat diamond, named after Queen Hortense of Holland in 1815. Interestingly the diamond was never owned or worn by the Queen, so the reason for the naming remains unknown. This beautiful pale orange-pink diamond is part of the French Crown Jewels and narrowly avoided being sold in 1887 as it was deemed too historically significant. It is now up for display in the Louvre museum in Paris. The Hortensia diamond is a symbol of beauty, luxury, and sophistication and a testament to the skill of the world’s finest diamond craftsmen.
The Orlov
The Orlov diamond is a large, cut diamond with a unique and exciting history. It weighs in at 189.62 carats and is of Indian origin, having been discovered in the Golconda mines in the late 18th century. The diamond was originally owned by Count Grigory Orlov, a Russian nobleman who presented the diamond to Catherine the Great as a symbol of his love for her. The diamond was then set in a royal scepter and later in a royal crown. Today, the Orlov diamond is on display in the Diamond Treasury of the Moscow Kremlin. It is a stunning example of the beauty and power of diamonds, and its long and remarkable history makes it one of the most iconic gems in the world.
Find out other interesting information about gemstones in Different Colors of Diamonds.