The Koh-I-Noor Diamond
As the last part in our series, we will be looking at the mysterious and infamous Koh-I-Noor diamond, which has been owned by countless rulers and monarchs around the world. It is a 100-carat round diamond, who's name is of Persian origin and translates to mean "Mountain of Light". Legend has it that the Koh-I-Noor diamond carries a curse, and each man in possession of the stone has seen great misfortune or lost their throne. However, it is believed that the diamond's curse lies dormant when in a woman's possession. Interestingly, Queen Victoria is the only reigning monarch to have worn the Koh-I-Noor!
A Round Brilliant Cut Diamond
The origins of this diamond remain unclear and are shrouded in uncertainty. It is thought to have originated from Golconda in India, and according to some sources is more than 5,000 years old. It is mentioned in the ancient Sanskrit writings dating back to 1500 BCE, and has belonged to countless Sikh and Persian rulers.
Today, the diamond is displayed as part of the British Crown Jewels. It is an ongoing source of friction between Britain and India, who believe the Koh-I-Noor was taken from them illegally. In the 19th Century, the Koh-I-Noor came into the posession of Ranjit Sing, Maharajah of the Punjab. After the annexation of the Punjab in 1849, the diamond was ordered to be surrendered to the Queen of England. Several requests have been made by India for the diamond's return.
The Koh-I-Noor was first worn as a brooch by Queen Victoria. Upon her death in 1901, it became part of the Crown Jewels, being set into the crown of 1 Queen Alexandra along with 3,688 other diamonds. In 1936, the stone was then set into the crown of Queen Elizabeth I (the late Queen Mother).
To browse our collection of loose diamonds, click here
