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Famous Diamonds: from royalty to the gods

   

Around the world there are many diamonds that have been talked about or written about in various stories and official documents. Famous diamonds are part of our world's history, and have been found in various parts of the world, by all types of people. From royalty to the gods, famous diamonds are often as well known as the people who owned them.

The world's most famous diamonds are colored diamonds so why shouldn‘t you have one in your engagement ring?

For centuries diamonds, famous diamonds or otherwise, were used in the armor of warriors and the crowns of our kings and queens as a symbol of fearlessness.

The Mountain of Light

One of the few oval shaped famous diamonds, the "mountain of light" was first mentioned in the year 1304. It weighed an astounding 186 carats, and it is said that the diamond was set in the peacock throne of Shah Jehan as an eye of one of the peacock's.

During Queen Victoria's reign, the famous diamonds shape was altered a bit and it was recut to weigh 108.93 carats. The diamond is currently one of the British Crown Jewels.

Flawless colored diamonds are extremely rare and expensive in particular blue diamonds. They are a delight to see and the envy of many women, and men, that own them.

The Orloff

When the Orloff diamond was found, it was said that it weighed around 300 carats. This gemstone of the famous diamonds is held at the Diamond Treasury of the former Soviet Union located in Moscow.

A story about the Orloff claims that the diamond was actually placed in the eye of a god, in the temple of Sri Rangen, which is how it became known as one of the world's famous diamonds.

The Regent

Before this incredibly large diamond of the famous diamonds was cut it weighed 410 carats! Originally called "The Pitt", after the English Prime Minister, William Pitt, it was cut into a rounded shape and consisted of more than 140 carats.

In 1717, the diamond was sold to the Duke of Orleans, Regent of France. It was then that the diamond was renamed "The Regent". When Louis XV had his coronation, the stone was set into his crown.

Famous Diamonds: from royalty to the gods
Some of the most famous jewelers in the World, Cartier, Fabergé and Tiffany & Co.

When the French Revolution ended, "The Regent" was owned by Napoleon Bonaparte, and was placed into the hilt of Bonaparte's sword.

Currently, the diamond is on display for all to enjoy in the Louvre.

The Blue Hope

The most well known of all famous diamonds, the Blue Hope is currently in the Smithsonian Institution located in the state of Washington. It was owned by Louis XIV, and at the time was called "the blue diamond of the crown".

Sometime during the French Revolution, the Blue Hope diamond was stolen. It was later found in London in the year 1830, where it was later purchased by Henry Philip Hope. The blue hope diamond received it's name from this individual, as well as it's reputation for causing bad luck to those who owned it. While Henry Philip Hope owned the precious blue diamond, each of his family members died in extreme poverty.

Continuing with the bad luck, a later owner of the Blue Hope, Mr. Edward McLean also lost many family members to poverty while he possessed the diamond.

Other resources

  • A Little Diamond History
    Diamond history varies greatly depending on your source of documentation, as diamond history is as rich in myths and folklore as it is in physical facts and records. It is filled with mythical stories, such as one where snakes guarded a land full of diamonds, and the diamond history has fascinated people with the romance and beauty that surrounds our most precious gemstones.
    Read more: Diamond history
  • The National Gem Collection in the Smithsonian Collection
    Some of the world's most spectacular diamonds and other gems are located in the National Gem Collection in the Museum of Natural History in Smithsonian Collection in Washington, D.C. In the collection are diamonds known to almost everyone, such as the Hope Diamond, as well as other large diamonds and other precious gems and jewelry.
    Read more: National Gem Collection
  • A short history of diamond mines
    Up to the Middle Ages diamonds were so rare and expensive that only royalty could afford them. But today, most people are able to possess a few, thanks to the discovery of numerous diamond deposits elsewhere on the planet plus high, albeit controlled, production.
    Read more: Diamond mines

 
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