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Exceptional jewellery: meet the Koh-i-Noor diamond

E-commerce means diamonds are now within everyone's grasp. Only the so-called super diamonds are reserved for the lucky few. The Koh-i-Noor diamond, which was set in Queen Elizabeth's crown, belongs in this category. With a worth of at least €140 million, the Koh-i-Noor diamond is of inestimable value. 

 

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What is so exceptional about the Koh-i-Noor diamond?

The Koh-i-Noor diamond, set in Queen Elizabeth's crown and part of the UK's Crown Jewels, is famous for its immense value and historical significance. Found in India and weighing 109 carats after being recut, it ended up in British hands in 1849. Its worth is estimated between €140 to €400 million, with myths of power and curses surrounding it.

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The Koh-i-Noor diamond story

The Koh-i-Noor diamond, a gem of legendary splendour, is steeped in a rich tapestry of history and intrigue that spans centuries. Its name, Koh-i-Noor, translates to "Mountain of Light" in Persian, and fittingly so, for it has illuminated the annals of history with its extraordinary lustre.

The Koh-i-Noor diamond is one of the most important diamonds in the world and forms part of the United Kingdom's Crown Jewels. The 186 carat super Koh-i-Noor diamond was found in India, but fell into Queen Victoria's hands. She in turn had it cut into a stunning 109 carat brilliant. The Koh-i-Noor diamond has only been worn by queens and is currently set in Queen Elizabeth's crown. It can be admired at the Tower of London. ​

Origins back to the 14th century

It was owned by the ruling maharajahs until the 14th century. Often following a bloody war, the diamond successively ended up in the hands of various Sikh, Mogul and Persian rulers. In 1739, the Persian commander, Nadir Sjah, invaded India and ousted the Mogul tsar, Muhamed Shah, and appropriated his turban.
Upon noticing the unique precious stone in the turban, Persian commander Nadir Sjah cried 'Koh-i-Noor', or 'mountain of light'.

Journey to the British Crown

Diamond tiara worn by the queen, featuring the Koh-i-Noor diamond from the British crown
The diamond's journey to the British Crown began in the mid-19th century during the tumultuous period of British colonial rule in India. After the British annexation of Punjab in 1849, the Koh-i-Noor was ceded to Queen Victoria under the Treaty of Lahore. The last Sikh Maharaja, Dalip Singh, found this out first-hand when he was forced to abdicate. It was presented to the British monarch by the young Maharaja amidst great fanfare but also controversy, as many Indians saw this as an act of coercion rather than a voluntary gift.
Queen Victoria was entranced by the Koh-i-Noor, yet its original cut did not maximise its brilliance to her satisfaction. In 1852, under her orders, the diamond was recut by Garrard & Co, the Crown Jewellers. This transformation reduced its weight from 186 carats to 105.6 carats, but significantly enhanced its fiery brilliance and sparkle, making it a stunning 109-carat brilliant-cut diamond.

You might be wondering where the Koh-i-Noor diamond is now; this gorgeous diamond is housed in the Tower of London, among the other crown jewels of Queen Elisabeth II. It has been set in the lower part of the Maltese Cross on the British Crown, accompanied by many other precious stones. But it is only one of the many priceless jewels in the possession of the British Royal Family. 

A call for the return of the Koh-i-Noor diamond by India

The British Queen Elisabeth II was being sued by her former colony India for the return of the Koh-i-Noor diamond. It may sound like a typical black British comedy, but it is bitterly serious for India. The initiative to return the Koh-i-Noor states that the diamond is not only extremely valuable, it is also an important part of Indian history and should therefore be returned.

Recently, India seems to have changed its mind however. It has now been declared that the Koh-i-Noor was presented to Great Britain as a gift in the 18th century and that Ranjit Singh had voluntarily handed over the diamond in gratitude for support in the Sikh war. The Koh-i-Noor is therefore no longer a stolen object!

Uncommon value: the Koh-i-Noor diamond its price

the most famous diamond collection, including the famous Koh-i-Noor
The Koh-I-Noor’s value isn’t exactly known, but it is estimated to be worth €140 to €400 million. It is one of the most important diamonds in the world and is a part of the United Kingdom’s Crown Jewels. The Koh-I-Noor’s diamond has a total weight of 109 carats. 

Originally, the Koh-I-Noor weighed 186 carats. The queen was dissatisfied with the stone's lustre and had it recut to in 1852 by renowned Coster Diamonds in Amsterdam. It is on display, along with the other British Crown Jewels, at the Tower of London, where the renowned Cullinan diamonds are also exhibited.

The Koh-i-Noor diamond curse

The Koh-i-Noor has a tradition of being worn exclusively by female members of the British royal family. It is believed that an ancient curse dictates that "He who owns this diamond will own the world, but will also know all its misfortunes. After all, the previous male owners were either tortured, murdered, blinded, discharged from office, or they died of strokes or even cholera.

Only God or a woman can wear it with impunity. Perhaps this legend influenced its placement in the crowns of British queens. It was set in the crown worn by Queen Alexandra, the wife of Edward VII, and later in the crowns of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

Myths and stories are attributed to many legendary diamonds, such as the Sancy diamond and the Hope diamond. 

Find your exclusive diamond at BAUNAT

Do you fancy big diamonds? Planning to propose to your girlfriend with a whopper of a diamond ring? The Koh-I-Noor may be of extraordinary proportions but that doesn’t mean you can’t go on a treasure hunt for your personal ‘Mountain of Light’. We, at BAUNAT, specialize in diamond engagement rings in all sizes, take a look at our collection. 

Browse BAUNAT's unique diamond jewellery

Frequently asked Questions

What is the romantic history of diamonds?

The diamond is used in many pieces of exquisite jewellery and comes in various sizes. It is, however, in its smallest form that it catches our interest the most: the diamond ring given in token of love and marriage. The actual history of this tradition transcends the perception of its creation as marketing hyperbole. The modern solitaire is just the most recent step on a long road from the past.

Rings date back several millennia, but those that are given as a token of love are first noted by the comic Roman poet Plautus in the 2nd century BCE. In those times, wedding rings were known for their interior inscriptions that recorded the marriage contracts signed in the presence of the Emperor's image. This custom was continued and Christianized by the 4th century, when priests would not permit weddings anymore without the exchange of rings.

What are famous diamonds?

The world’s most famous diamonds are the 45-carat Hope Diamond (and its famous Curse), the mystical Koh-I-Noor Diamond and the 546 carat Golden Jubilee.

The Bokassa Diamond is surrounded by a truly fascinating story. In 1977, a Central African dictator named Jean-Bédel Bokassa declared himself emperor and asked Albert Jolis, the president of a diamond mining operation, for a diamond ring.

Jolis did not have the money to buy such a large stone, however, if he did not deliver one, his company would lose the mining concession in Central Africa. And so he devised a clever solution: Jolis found a large piece of black diamond bolt (a poorly crystalized diamond usually fit only to be crushed into abrasive powder) that curiously resembled Africa in shape. He ordered for the diamond to be polished and mounted on a large ring. A one-quarter carat white diamond was then set roughly where the country is located on the continent.

Jolis presented this "unique" diamond to the clueless Bokassa, who loved it. He thought that the $500 ring was worth over $500,000.

  • Stephanie Hesters

  • BAUNAT Antwerp

  • As the Head of Diamond Buying at BAUNAT, Stephanie has an extensive knowledge of the diamond and the evolution of diamond prices. Thanks to her broad product knowledge gained throughout her years at BAUNAT and the Diamond Foundation Course by De Beers, Stephanie advises our customers interested in the investment side of diamonds to optimize every investment. To support her skills she has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management together with her master’s in Communication.

As the Head of Diamond Buying at BAUNAT, Stephanie has an extensive knowledge of the diamond and the evolution of diamond prices. Thanks to her broad product knowledge gained throughout her years at BAUNAT and the Diamond Foundation Course by De Beers, Stephanie advises our customers interested in the investment side of diamonds to optimize every investment. To support her skills she has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management together with her master’s in Communication.