The Priceless Diamonds of the World

How can something so small be so beautiful! Worth so much! It is fascinating how a rock miniature can lend a multitude of shine and sparkle to the person wearing it. What is this ravishing rock? Yes, we are talking about diamonds, the flash of brilliance!

We all wear diamonds, but have you wondered about some of the priceless ones. Well, everyone must have heard about the Hope Diamond, the Kohinoor, the Cullinan, the Regent and a few more. Its common knowledge there are expensive, but why. Where did they come from? What is so special about them? It is worth to know about them. So, Krown Kouture is here to give you all the insights about a few of these gems.

Not to forget, these gems are one of a kind. Some have royal ownership history, some weigh unto 3100 carats. Some have a distinct color. Well, a few have curses too. Nevertheless, they are all priceless!

Hope Diamond

Definitely, the most traveled of the precious diamonds. In fact, found in 17th century India, it is presently in Washington DC. And to reach DC, it travelled through Europe for a long time. Also, it is one of the largest diamond in a public US institution. With an oval brilliant shape and dark blue color, it is flawless!

Interestingly, it gets its name from Henry Thomas Hope and discovered centuries ago in the southern region of India. As per myths, the belief is that this gem is cursed and mystical. Later, King Louis XIV owned it. The diamond was also stolen and could not be found for years. Whereas, at the turn of the century, it came to US. The diamond purchased from Cartier for USD 185,000 by a young American socialite heiress, Evalyn Walsh McLean. And 36 years of ownership, it eventually came to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC

Kohinoor

Famously called the “Mountain of Light,” it justifies its title in every way. Another product of India’s Kollur mines discovered in the 13th century. Moreover, it weighed 186 carats. However, the diamond got its name in 1739 by Persian conqueror, Nadir Shah who acquired Delhi.

Ironically, the gem has had a turbulent past. In 1849, it became a British property as per an Anglo-Sikh treaty. However, some say British stole it from the Sikh rulers. Furthermore, given to Queen Victoria in 1850 for her collection. It adorned the crowns of royalty. And is currently on display in the Tower of London. But, the Kohinoor has been a matter of dispute for over 70 years for its ownership!

The Cullinan

Without a doubt, the largest gem quality ever found in the history. It weighted a whopping 3106 carats. Now, that’s some diamond! Discovered in 1905 in South Africa. A flawless gem named after Cullinan in honor of Sir Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the Premier mines where it was found.

And, gifted to King Edward VII of England in 1907. Next, the diamond has been divided into 9 major gemstones, 96 smaller stones and about 19.5 carats of unpolished pieces. The most well known of these pieces and Cullinan I and Cullinan II. These diamonds still grace the Imperial State Crown.

The Regent

Well, well, another priceless gem from the Kollur mines in India. The stone known for its exquisite clarity. One of the scholar describes the diamond as “of the first water”, as it was perfectly white and flawless. Discovered in 1698, it is presently in the Denon wing of the Musée du Louvre in Paris since 1877.

Also, called the Pitt Diamond as the British governor of Madras sent the 426 carat gem to Britain for cutting. Interestingly, it took two years of meticulous work to shape it to a141-carat, cushion-cut brilliant stone. It adorned the crowns of Louis XV, Louis XVI, Louis XVIII, Charles X and Napoleon III.

The Tiffany Yellow Diamond

To start with, one of the largest fancy yellow diamonds every mined. Discovered in 1878 in the Kimberley mines, South Africa, it weighed roughly 287.42 carats. And to maximize its brilliance, rehashing it into a cushion shape with 90 facets worked. And this is 32 more than a traditional round brilliant.

Well, this gem has always been Tiffany’s. In fact, ‘King of Diamonds,’ Charles Lewis Tiffany, founder of Tiffany bought it in 1877. And since then, it appears in the ‘Bird on a Rock,’ a display setting at Tiffany & Co, New York. Designed in 1960s by Jean Schlumberger. Also, it came out of the Tiffany lockers and adorned by Lady Gaga in 2019. The yellow sheen is par excellence.