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10 Legendary Diamonds That Made History

Throughout history, diamonds have symbolized wealth, power, and timeless beauty. Some diamonds, however, transcend mere material value, earning legendary status due to their exceptional size, color, and historical significance. Join us on a journey through time as we explore the captivating stories behind 10 legendary diamonds that have left an indelible mark on history.

1. The Koh-i-Noor Diamond

 Originating from India, the Koh-i-Noor, meaning “Mountain of Light,” has a storied history dating back over 1,000 years. Weighing approximately 106 carats, the diamond is colorless and exhibits remarkable clarity.

The Koh-i-Noor has been owned by various rulers and empires, including the Mughals, Persians, and the British. It came into the possession of the British East India Company in the mid-19th century and was later presented to Queen Victoria. The diamond was eventually recut to enhance its brilliance, reducing its size to its current weight.

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Currently, the Koh-i-Noor Diamond is part of the British Crown Jewels and is set in the head of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s Crown. Its history is steeped in legend and controversy, with its ownership symbolizing power and often associated with tales of curses and misfortune. Its ownership has been accompanied by tales of power struggles and intrigue, making it one of the most famous and controversial diamonds in the world.

2. The Hope Diamond

 Renowned for its deep blue hue and a history that includes curses and scandals, the Hope Diamond has captured the imagination for centuries. Believed to have been plucked from the eye of a Hindu idol in India, this 45.52-carat diamond traversed continents before gracing the French crown in the 17th century. With notable owners like Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette, its illustrious past is interwoven with tales of tragedy and splendor.

The diamond, now residing in the Smithsonian Institution, is famed for its deep blue hue, accentuated by a curse or myth that befell its possessors. Valued at an estimated $250 million, the Hope Diamond transcends time, captivating enthusiasts with its rich history and mesmerizing beauty. From the French Royal family to wealthy heiresses, each owner has faced tales of misfortune, contributing to its allure and earning it the title of “the most famous diamond in the world.”

3. The Cullinan Diamond

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Unearthed in South Africa in 1905, the Cullinan Diamond remains the largest gem-quality diamond ever discovered. It weighed a staggering 3,106 carats before being meticulously cut into smaller gems. Named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the mine’s owner, the diamond was eventually cut into multiple stones, with the largest – Cullinan I or the Great Star of Africa – adorning the British Sovereign’s Sceptre with a Cross.

4. The Dresden Green Diamond

 With its vivid green color, the Dresden Green Diamond is a rare masterpiece. Originating from India, this 41-carat diamond would eventually find its way to Dresden, Germany, where it became a centerpiece in the Green Vault.

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Acquired by Augustus III of Poland in 1742, its vibrant color mesmerized, sparking rumors of curses and radioactive origins. Exquisitely set in a hat ornament, it adorned nobility, even traveling to the Soviet Union after WWII. Today, this priceless wonder, valued at millions, resides in the Green Vault of Dresden Castle, its verdant glow silently captivating all who gaze upon it.

Its unique hue and historical significance make it one of the most remarkable green diamonds in existence.

5. The Regent Diamond

The Regent Diamond, a resplendent gem with a storied past, stands as a legendary diamond with origins rooted in the Golconda mines of India. Discovered in 1698, this extraordinary gem weighs an impressive 140.64 carats in its uncut state. Its journey through history includes ownership by French royalty, gracing the crowns of Louis XV and Louis XVI.

, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Remarkably clear and perfectly cut, the Regent Diamond’s brilliance is unrivaled. The diamond’s history is marked by an audacious heist during the French Revolution but was later recovered. Today, it resides securely in the Louvre Museum in Paris, captivating visitors with its flawless beauty and tales of opulence, intrigue, and resilience.

6. The Orlov Diamond

This diamond, also known as the Orlov or Orloff, is a large, bluish-green diamond weighing approximately 189.62 carats. It has a distinctive rose-cut shape and is believed to have originated from the Kollur mines in India.

, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons

The Orlov Diamond has a fascinating history, having been part of various royal collections. It is famously associated with Russia, having been set in the imperial scepter of Catherine the Great. According to legend, it was originally set in the eye of an idol in a temple in Srirangam, India, and was stolen by a French deserter who later sold it to an English sea captain. Eventually, it made its way to Russia.

Today, it is on display at the Diamond Fund in the Kremlin in Moscow, where it continues to attract admirers from around the world. Its size and association with Russian royalty contribute to its legendary status.

7. The Taylor-Burton Diamond

Originally known as the Cartier Diamond, this 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond gained global fame when it was purchased by actor Richard Burton for his wife, the iconic actress Elizabeth Taylor, in 1969. The diamond was part of the Cartier collection and had previously been owned by socialite Doris Duke.

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The Taylor-Burton Diamond was initially set in a ring, and Elizabeth Taylor wore it to various public events, making it a symbol of luxury and glamour. Following the couple’s divorce in 1978, Taylor decided to sell the diamond, and part of the money was used to fund the construction of a hospital in Botswana. The diamond was later bought by New York jeweler, Robert Mouawad who had it recut into a 68.08-carat diamond.

8. The Blue Moon Diamond

 Known for its exceptional blue color, the Blue Moon Diamond set a world record for the highest price per carat ever paid for a diamond in 2015. Mined in South Africa, this 12.03-carat beauty has a rarity and brilliance that have solidified its place among legendary diamonds.

Renowned for its rarity, the Blue Moon Diamond was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in November 2015 for a record-breaking price of over $48.4 million. The fortunate buyer, Hong Kong businessman Joseph Lau, renamed the diamond “Blue Moon of Josephine” after his daughter. The diamond has since become one of the world’s most valuable and famous blue diamonds, celebrated for its stunning color and exceptional clarity.

9. The Millennium Star Diamond

Unearthed in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) in 1990, the Millennium Star is one of the largest colorless diamonds in the world. Its flawless appearance and sheer size (at 203.04 carats) make it a marvel of nature and a symbol of excellence in diamond craftsmanship.

De Beers showcased the Millennium Star as the centerpiece of their De Beers Millennium Jewels collection. It was unveiled in 1999 at London’s Millennium Dome. This flawless diamond has an unusual feature – it is devoid of any internal or external blemishes.

10. The Moussaieff Red Diamond

Renowned for its rare red color, the Moussaieff Red Diamond is the largest red diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America. Discovered in the 1990s by a Brazilian farmer, the rough stone was acquired by the Moussaieff Jewelers, who expertly cut and polished it into the mesmerizing gem it is today. The Moussaieff Red Diamond is considered one of the most valuable diamonds in the world due to its rarity and captivating color.

These legendary diamonds have not only fascinated me with their brilliance but have also woven themselves into the fabric of human history. From royal courts to Hollywood legends, each gem tells a tale of power, love, and sometimes, tragedy. As they continue to sparkle in museums and private collections, these diamonds serve as enduring reminders of the enduring allure and timeless beauty of these exceptional gems that have truly made history.