The rise of e-commerce has made diamonds accessible to a wider audience, with only the rarest and most exceptional stones remaining out of reach for all but a select few. One such super Diamond is the Koh-i-Noor, famously set in Queen Elizabeth's crown and valued at a minimum of €140 million. Its true value, however, is impossible to estimate.

The current location of the Koh-i-Noor diamond may pique your curiosity. This stunning gemstone is presently kept in the Tower of London, but its ownership has been a source of controversy. Since India gained independence from the UK in 1947, the governments of India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have all laid claim to the Koh-i-Noor.

What is the Koh-i-Noor Diamond?

Considered one of the most significant diamonds globally, the Koh-i-Noor diamond is a treasured component of the United Kingdom's Crown Jewels. Weighing 186 carats in its original form, this superlative diamond was discovered in India before coming into the possession of Queen Victoria. She subsequently had it reshaped and re-cut into a breathtaking 109-carat brilliant. Reserved exclusively for queens, the Koh-i-Noor diamond is currently situated in Queen Elizabeth's crown and can be viewed at the Tower of London.

Where did the Koh-i-Noor diamond originate from?

Prior to the 14th century, the Koh-i-Noor diamond was under the possession of the ruling Maharajas. Throughout the centuries, the ownership of the diamond was marked by a series of conflicts and wars, with Sikh, Mughal, and Persian rulers taking control of the precious stone. In 1739, during an invasion of India, the Persian commander Nadir Shah overthrew the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah and took his turban, which was said to contain the Koh-i-Noor diamond at the time.

 Upon noticing the unique precious stone in the turban, Persian commander Nadir Sjah cried 'Koh-i-Noor', or 'mountain of light'. 

How did this super diamond end up in British hands?

On 31 December 1600, Queen Elizabeth I established the British East India Company, a commercial enterprise that eventually became one of the most dominant and influential companies in the world over 150 years. One of the most significant repercussions of the company's rise to power was the confiscation of possessions from conquered territories, including the Koh-i-Noor diamond. The last Sikh Maharaja, Dalip Singh, learned this lesson firsthand when he was forced to abdicate in 1849. Following the British victory, countless royal Persian treasures were taken back to England as war spoils, ultimately leading to the Koh-i-Noor's arrival in British possession.

The mythical powers of the Koh-i-Noor diamond

Like other famous diamonds such as the Sancy and Hope diamonds, the Koh-i-Noor has its own share of myths and stories associated with it. According to tradition, the possessor of the diamond would become ruler of the world, while others believe that wearing the diamond would bring bad luck to any man who dared to do so.

How much is the Koh-i-Noor diamond worth?

The exact value of the Koh-I-Noor diamond is unknown, but experts estimate its worth to be between €140 million and €400 million. This diamond holds significant importance globally and is included in the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. The total weight of the Koh-I-Noor diamond is 109 carats.

The Koh-I-Noor diamond originally weighed 186 carats, but its lustre was unsatisfactory to the Queen, so it was recut in 1852 by the renowned Coster Diamonds in Amsterdam. Today, the diamond, along with other British Crown Jewels, is on display at the Tower of London, where the famous Cullinan diamonds are also exhibited.

Discover other famous diamonds

In addition to the Koh-i-Noor, there are several other notable and breathtaking diamonds, each with its own fascinating history. Some of these super diamonds include the Sancy Diamond, the Hope Diamond, and The Heart of the Ocean.

The Sancy Diamond, believed to have originated in India, has a unique pale yellow colour and was once owned by several notable figures throughout history, including the French king Henry III and the British monarchs James I and Charles I.

The Hope Diamond, a blue diamond with a long and mysterious history, is rumoured to have been cursed due to the misfortunes that befell some of its owners. It is currently on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

The Heart of the Ocean, a fictional diamond featured in the movie "Titanic," was inspired by several real-life diamonds, including the Hope Diamond and the Great Star of Africa, which is the largest diamond in the world.

Overall, each of these super diamonds holds a unique place in history and continues to captivate people with its beauty and intriguing stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the origin of diamonds lie?

The diamond's origin and its various cultural associations can be traced back to India where it was initially mined. In Sanskrit, the most common term used for a diamond is "vajra," which translates to "thunderbolt," and "indrayudha" or "Indra's weapon." Since Indra is the warrior god of the Vedic scriptures, the thunderbolt symbolizes the Indian perception of diamonds. The lightning flash evokes the light reflected by a high-quality diamond octahedron, as well as the unyielding hardness of the diamond.

What is the romantic history of diamonds?

Many exquisite items of jewellery feature diamonds of varying sizes, but it is the smallest form of the diamond that captures our attention the most: the diamond ring given as a symbol of love and marriage. Despite the perception that it is a marketing ploy, the tradition of diamond engagement rings has a rich history that dates back centuries. The modern solitaire diamond ring is merely the latest development in a long evolution from its origins in the past.

While the origin of rings can be traced back several millennia, it was not until the 2nd century BCE that rings given as tokens of love were first noted by the comic Roman poet Plautus. During this time, wedding rings were recognized for their interior inscriptions, which recorded marriage contracts signed in the presence of the Emperor's image. This practice continued and was Christianized by the 4th century when priests refused to perform weddings without the exchange of rings.

What are famous diamonds?

Some of the world's most renowned diamonds include the 45-carat Hope Diamond, which is infamous for its supposed curse, the mystical Koh-I-Noor Diamond, and the 546-carat Golden Jubilee.

The Bokassa Diamond has a truly captivating backstory. In 1977, a dictator from the Central African Republic named Jean-Bédel Bokassa declared himself emperor and requested a diamond ring from Albert Jolis, the president of a diamond mining operation.

Despite not having the financial means to procure a large diamond, Jolis had to find a solution as failure to deliver one would mean his company would lose the mining concession in Central Africa. To resolve this issue, he came up with an ingenious plan. Jolis stumbled upon a large piece of the black diamond bolt, which typically lacks proper crystallization and is usually used for making abrasive powder. This black diamond bore a striking resemblance to the shape of Africa. He then had the diamond polished and mounted onto a large ring, with a small, quarter-carat white diamond set approximately where the Central African Republic would be located on the continent.

Jolis presented the "unique" diamond to the unsuspecting Bokassa, who was thoroughly impressed with the gift. Despite the fact that the ring cost only $500, Bokassa believed it to be worth over $500,000.