10 Most Famous Diamonds of the World
July 28, 2009 by rappin · Leave a Comment
Diamonds are one of the most treasured stones. Their sheer beauty is astonishing and over the centuries their symbolism has become renowned. Thus it has become every woman’s desire to own at least one diamond. Famous diamonds have become famous because they are so unique and beautiful and because their stories are fascinating.
There is no other diamond that even comes close to having the characteristics these diamonds possess. Here I have compiled some of the most famous diamonds ever.
The Great Star of Africa
Star Africa diamond is the largest cut diamond in the world. The diamond was cut by a Company of Amsterdam who examined the diamond for six month before deciding how to cut it.
Koh-I-Noor
This diamond has the oldest recorded history, since 1304. It was re cut during the reign of Queen Victoria and is among the British Crown Jewels and now weighs 108.93 carats. The Koh-I-Noor is said to have come to earth as a gift from the god in India to a faithful worshipper.
The Excelsior
This diamond is not only one of the world’s largest diamonds it is the second largest diamond ever found in the world.
The Great Mogul
The Great Mogul was discovered in the 17th century in India. The stone was named after Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal. However the stone has disappeared. Some believe that the Koh-I-Noor diamond may have been cut from this stone after its loss.
The Idol’s Eye
A flattened pear-shaped stone the size of a bantam’s egg, its polished size is 70.20 carats. Legend states that it was given as a ransom for Princess Rasheetah by the Sheik of Kashmir to the Sultan of Turkey who had abducted her.
The Regent
The Regent diamond was discovered in 1702 by an Indian slave near Golconda. The Regent is renowned for its exceptional limpidity and perfect cut and has the uncontestable reputation as the most beautiful diamond in the world.
The Orloff
The Orloff is the world’s third largest cut diamond. Its clarity is typical of the finest Indian diamonds and its color possesses a slight bluish-green tint.
The Blue Hope
It was thought to have part of the famous Blue Tavernier Diamond, brought to Europe from India in 1642. It was once owned by King Louis XIV. The diamond can be seen today in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.
The Sancy
Sancy was first owned by Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, who lost it in battle in 1477. The stone is a pale yellow and is apparently of Indian origin and is said to be one of the first large diamonds to be cut with symmetrical facets.
Taylor-Burton
This pear shaped diamond was found in the Premier Mine in Transvaal South Africa, in 1966. Richard Burton bought the stone for Elizabeth Taylor for $1.1 million, renaming it “Taylor-Burton.
