The Most Famous Diamonds in the World

The Hope Diamond As the old song goes “Ya gotta have hope”, but when you know the history of the Hope Diamond, you may change your tune. The 45.52 carat Blue Hope Diamond is one of the most famous diamonds in the world. It was named for one of its purchasers, Henry Thomas Hope, an English banker. The Hope has a long history of being associated with bad luck for its owners. Hope's son inherited the diamond and subsequently lost his fortune. It was eventually acquired by an American widow, Mrs. Edward McLean, whose family suffered a series of catastrophes including the death of her only child, and the break up of her family. She lost her money, and committed suicide. When Harry Winston, the New York diamond merchant, bought the stone in 1949, many clients refused to touch it.

As an interesting side note, Whiteflash Senior Diamond Consultant Bob Hoskins (Graduate Gemologist, GIA) had the rare opportunity to hold and examine this famous diamond some years ago. Bob tells us that it was quite impressive and that he does not believe in the “curse” associated with it. This historic diamond is now on display at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington.

Koh-i-Noor - Another very famous diamond is the Koh-i-Noor. It’s name means "Mountain of Light" and it dates back to the year 1304. The 105.60 carat oval cut diamond is now part of the British Crown Jewels. It may have once been set in the famous Peacock Throne made for Shah Jehan. After the break-up of the Persian Empire the diamond found its way to India. It is said to have traveled to Afghanistan with a bodyguard of Nadir Shah, who fled with the stone when the Shah was murdered and eventually was claimed by The East India Company and presented it to Queen Victoria in 1850. It was first worn by the Queen in a brooch and was later set in the State Crown. The crown was worn by Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary, and 1937 was worn by Queen Elizabeth for her coronation. It is currently kept in the Tower of London, with the other Crown Jewels.

The Cullinan - The historic diamond known as The Cullinan or The Great Star of Africa, is the largest cut diamond in the world. It is 530.20 carats (WOW!), pear shaped with 74 facets. It is set in the Royal Scepter kept with the other Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. It was cut from the 3,106-carat Cullinan, the largest diamond crystal ever found. It was originally discovered in South Africa and later was cut by Joseph Asscher of Amsterdam. He examined the enormous crystal for six months before determining how to divide it. It yielded nine major, and 96 smaller brilliant cut stones. When the Cullinan was first discovered, certain signs suggested that it may have been part of a much larger crystal. But no discovery of the "missing half" has ever been authenticated. Let us know if you happen to find it!

The Centenary Diamond is 273.85 carats and was discovered at the Premier Mine in July 1986. This famous diamond weighed 599.10 carats in the rough. Master-cutter Gabi Tolkowsky took almost three years to complete its transformation into the world's largest, most modern-cut, top-color, flawless diamond. The aptly named 'Centenary' weighs 273.85 is only surpassed in size by the 530.20 carat 'Great Star of Africa' and the 317.40 carat 'Lesser Star of Africa', both of which are set into the British Crown Jewels. The 'Centenary' diamond was unveiled, appropriately at the Tower of London in May, 1991.

Some other world famous diamonds include; The Regent (140.50ct), The Orloff (300ct.), The Idols Eye (70.20ct), The Taylor-Burton (69.42ct) and the Sancy (55ct). There are a number of others, but in this writer’s opinion, none are more beautiful than Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal diamonds!