Diamonds are one of the world’s most spellbinding natural treasures. They twinkle, sparkle and have been sought after by the rich and famous for centuries with many gems travelling thousands of miles to be united with their buyer. Available in numerous carats and colours they make for spectacular accessories, sold by the likes of 77Diamonds – but not all gems are as clear cut as they might seem. Many of these beautiful rocks are surrounded by scandal, mystery and intrigue, so let’s take a closer look at some of the most infamous diamonds ever.
- The Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond is the largest-known deep blue diamond in the world weighing in at an impressive 45.52 carats. Currently part of the Smithonian’s Natural Gem Collection, this incredibly rare gem was formed 100 miles beneath the surface of the earth and carried upward by a volcanic eruption more than a billion years ago. Discovered in India sometime before 1668 it has been recut several times and has travelled far and wide passing through the hands of monarchs and surviving wars and revolutions along the way.
Having been bought by King Louis XIV, the diamond disappeared with the monarchy during the French Revolution and popped up in London back in 1812 where it fell into the hands of British King, George IV. It was then held by the Hope family throughout the 19th Century before making its way to America. Interestingly, the Hope Diamond is also believed to be cursed, having been plucked from the hands of an Indian idol. Legend has it that bad luck and death would not only fall upon the owners of this gem, but to all who touched it too – pretty creepy, huh?
- Koh-i-Nor diamond
The Koh-i-Nor diamond is undoubtedly one of the most famous jewels in the world dating back more than 5,000 years. Meaning ‘Mountain of Light’ in Persian, this stunning stone has again travelled far and wide being owned by many important figures including the Emperor of Delhi, Allaudin Khilji, in 1304. Its location over the years has also been a result of much political change, with the Koh-i-Nor being transferred to the treasury of the British East India Company following the 1849 conquest of Punjab by the British forces. It was then presented to Queen Victoria in 1850 and is now set in the platinum crown made for the late Queen Elizabeth – the Queen Mother.
The Koh-i-Nor diamond is also believed to be cursed, bringing bad luck to any man who wears it. The curse dates back to 1309 after Hindi writing was found to say: ‘He who owns this diamond will own the world, but will also know all its misfortunes. Only God, or a woman, can wear it with impunity.’
- The Cullinan Diamond
The Cullinan Diamond is the largest gem-quality rough diamond to have ever been found. In fact, it was so big – weighing in at over 3,106 carats or 621.53g – that the manager of the diamond mine actually threw it away not believing it could actually be a precious stone. Thankfully, it was recovered and bought by the Transvaal Government, being presented to King George VII as a birthday gift – all while a heavily guarded ship sailed to South Africa as a decoy. King George VII then commissioned for the diamond to be split and cut into nine main pieces and 96 smaller stones – many of which form principal parts of the Crown Jewels of England.
There are many famous diamonds in the world, but these are three with pretty fascinating stories.
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