Famous Engagement Rings and Diamonds - Koh-I-Noor

Famous Engagement Rings and Diamonds - Koh-I-Noor

The Koh-I-Noor is a 105 carat diamond! Imagine Engagement Rings with diamonds that large! This was once the largest known diamond in the world and has been fought over for hundreds of years. The diamond originates from India but Queen Victoria became the Empress of India, and so it became part of the crown jewels and came to Britain. There is a legend that whoever owns the Koh-I-Noor rules the world.

The Kohinoor diamond set in the crown jewels.	The large world famous Kohinoor diamond.

The curse and legend of the Koh-I-Noor

Legend has it that misfortune will befall the Koh I Noor diamond’s owner with the exception of women. The possibility of a curse on the diamond dates back to 1306 in Hindu text:

• "He who owns this diamond will own the world, but will also know all its misfortunes. Only God, or a woman, can wear it with impunity."

The Crown Jewels and where the Koh-I-Noor diamond is today

Queen Victoria ignored the possibility of the Koh-I-Nor diamond being cursed and in 1852 went ahead with having the once 186 Carat Diamond cut to 105 carats to improve the fire, brilliance and sparkle of the diamond. The British were pretty disappointed with the sparkle of the original 186 carat diamond due to its poor cut quality. Hence the reason they had the diamond re-cut. Queen Victoria then had the 105 carat Koh-I-Noor diamond set into a brooch that she often wore. Following Queen Victoria’s death, the Koh I Noor diamond was set into Queen Alexandra’s new diamond crown, followed by Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and then the Queen Mother.

Claims of ownership - Koh I Noor - Famous Engagement Rings and Diamonds

There are currently several countries laying claim to the Koh I Noor diamond. India, Pakistan and even the Afghanistan Taleban are claiming that the 105 carat diamond belongs to them. British officials have said that due to the multiple claims of ownership, it is impossible to determine who the rightful owner is; therefore it remains as one of the diamond jewels in the British Crown.

I’m thinking that this diamond may be too big for Engagement Rings, not to worry, that is a good idea for a future blog - what is the largest Diamond Engagement Ring on record?