In this blog post, we have compiled a meticulous examination of the world's most popular and celebrated gemstones. Our focus will be twofold: we shall meticulously dissect the unique physical attributes and distinctive features that set each gem apart. Furthermore, we shall embark upon a quest to unravel the origins that birthed these exquisite stones, thus unearthing the tales that accompany them. In addition, we shall also navigate the labyrinth of legends and myths that envelop these gems, shedding light on the captivating lore that has woven itself around them through the ages. Keep reading to learn more about the world’s most famous gems.
1. The Hope Diamond
The "Le Bijou du Roi", popularly known as the Hope Diamond, is perhaps the most famous among renowned gems. A dark greyish-blue coloured, 45.52-carat, VS1 diamond – it was mined in the 17th century from Kollur, in the Golconda mines of India.
At the heart of the Hope Diamond’s narrative, is a luminary born from the legendary Tavernier Blue diamond — a resplendent 112-carat diamond that once adorned the collection of 17th-century French gem merchant, Jean Baptiste Tavernier. In 1668, this diamond found a new home under the ownership of King Louis XIV of France. The diamond stayed in the royal family until the French Revolution in the 18th century, during which the diamond was stolen and reshaped – finally becoming the 45-carat Hope Diamond we recognize today. Over time, the Hope Diamond had several owners, eventually becoming associated with British collector Henry Philip Hope, who gave the gem its lasting name in 1839.
Jean-Baptiste Tavernier & The Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond Curse: Legend has it that the Hope Diamond carries a curse. The narrative traces back to the diamond's alleged theft from an idol of the goddess Sita in India. This curse is believed to bestow severe misfortune not only upon the diamond's possessor but also upon anyone who happens to come into contact with it. This belief held particular significance during the tumultuous era of the French Revolution in 1792 when the diamond was stolen once again. The curse's reach is said to have even extended to the upper echelons of France, when King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, both were beheaded.
2. The Koh-i-Noor Diamond
Another legendary gem that also originated from India’s Golconda mines is the Koh-i-Noor Diamond, which translates to “Mountain of Light” in Persian. With a weight of 105.6 carats, it ranks among the world's largest cut, oval-shaped diamonds.
The earliest mention of the diamond is in an account by Persian historian Muhammad Kazim Marvi, detailing the 1740s invasion of Northern India by Nader Shah. Marvi mentions that the Koh-i-Noor was among the gems taken by Nader Shah from Delhi. Subsequently, the diamond passed through various empires across southern and western Asia, until finally in 1849, it came into the ownership of Queen Victoria. This transition occurred after the British East India Company annexed Punjab. Upon reaching the UK, the diamond has solely graced the female members of the British royal family. It currently holds its place among the Crown Jewels of the UK, adorning the Queen Mother's crown.
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond as part of the Crown of Queen Mary
The Koh-i-Noor Curse: Legend speaks of the Kohinoor curse, which is believed to bring misfortune, betrayal and violence upon every male possessor of the diamond. In Hindu folklore, owning the diamond meant gaining the world alongside its misfortunes, and that only God or a woman could wear it without consequence.
3. The Cullinan Diamond
The Cullinan Diamond stands as a monumental discovery, recognised as the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever unearthed. The original weighed an astonishing 3,106 carats (621.2 grams) and was uncovered at the Premier Mine 2 in Cullinan, South Africa, in 1905. Its name, the Cullinan Diamond, honours the mine's proprietor, Thomas Cullinan.
In 1907, the Transvaal Colony government acquired the Cullinan Diamond. It was subsequently presented by Prime Minister Louis Botha to King Edward VII, the reigning British monarch at that time. The rough diamond was then meticulously crafted into 9 individual but significant gemstones, each bestowed with the names Cullinan I to IX, alongside 96 smaller diamonds cut from the same rough.
The original rough Cullinan diamond crystal weighed a whopping 3106 carats (621.2 grams)
Among these gems, the remarkable Cullinan I stands out as the biggest. It is a 530-carat, pear-shaped diamond and is famously known as the Star of Africa. It holds the title of the world's largest colourless cut diamond, epitomizing both elegance and magnificence. Currently, it graces the royal sceptre within the British Crown Jewels. The Cullinan II adorns the Imperial State Crown used in British monarchs' coronations. The other seven diamonds, Cullinan III to IX, are also part of the British monarch's private collection.
The Cullinan I (left) & the Cullinan II (right) diamonds
4. The Black Prince’s Ruby
The Black Prince's Ruby is actually a cabochon Red Spinel weighing 170 carats. It stands as one of the world's largest uncut red spinels, capturing the essence of its rarity. What's truly intriguing is its position – resting proudly above the Cullinan II diamond, on the regal Imperial State Crown of the United Kingdom.
Historically, most clear red gemstones were wrongly classified as 'rubies,' including this esteemed gem. Only with advancements in research and technology was it revealed that the Black Prince's Ruby is, in fact, a red spinel. This gem is thought to come from Badakhshan mines in present-day Afghanistan and Tajikistan. It is named in honour of Edward of Woodstock, often called the "Black Prince". He was the eldest son of King Edward III of England and Philippa of Hainault. His title of "Black Prince" emerged after his passing, with theories suggesting it came from his black armour and jousting shield, along with a reputation for harshness against his French adversaries.
The ruby traces its origins back to the 14th century when it belonged to Abu Sa'id, the Arab Muslim Prince of Granada. During a time of Christian reconquest, Abu Sa'id faced Don Pedro, the ruler of Seville, Spain in the 14th century, who desired his riches. A brutal conflict between the two led to Abu Sa'id's tragic end and the ruby became Don Pedro's. During a revolt in 1366, Don Pedro sought support from the Black Prince, trading the ruby for aid. Eventually, the Black Prince brought the ruby to England, where it has remained since.
The Black Prince’s Ruby is actually a 170-carat Red Spinel
The Sultan’s Curse: The legend speaks of the Sultan's Curse, believed to have been triggered by the tragic murder of Abu Sa'id by Don Pedro. This event casts a dark cloud over the gem's past, with the curse foretelling misfortune and even death for its owners. Interestingly, when the Black Prince’s Ruby was worn by Henry V on the battlefield, it may have acted as a protective charm. When the king was struck in the head, both he and the stone emerged unharmed, a surprising twist of fate.
5. The Timur Ruby
Similar to the Black Prince’s Ruby, the Timur Ruby is a 352-carat red gem that is, in fact, also a red spinel. Also referred to as the Khiraj-i-alam, meaning Tribute to the World, this unfaceted jewel is delicately set in a necklace, and its name is derived from Timur, the ruler and founder of the Timurid Empire.
The Timur Ruby carries a remarkable history, showcasing a series of prestigious rulers who once owned it. Engraved onto its surface are the names of 5 significant figures - Jahangir, the 4th Mughal Emperor, and his father Akbar, along with Shah Jahan, the 5th Mughal Emperor. The lineage ends with Farrukhsiyar, the 10th Mughal Emperor. Additionally, the ruby's ownership extends to Nader Shah of Iran and Ahmad Shah Durrani, the King of Afghanistan.
The Timur Ruby is also a 352.54-carat, Red Spinel
In 1851, the jewel was gifted to Queen Victoria by the Court of Directors of the East India Company. Subsequently, in 1853, a new diamond and gold necklace was created for the spinel. Since then, it has remained within the treasured collection of the British Royal Family.
6. The Dresden Green Diamond
The Dresden Green Diamond is undeniably exceptional, standing as the largest known natural green diamond, weighing 41 carats. Originating from the mines of India, this rare Type IIa gem boasts a clarity of VS1, and its striking green colour is a result of natural exposure to radioactive elements. This distinctiveness places it among the most valuable diamonds in existence.
The history of the Dresden Green Diamond dates to 1722, when it was mentioned in a London newspaper. Later on, Augustus III of Poland obtained the diamond from a Dutch merchant during the Leipzig Fair in 1742. In 1768, the diamond became the centrepiece of an immensely valuable hat ornament, encircled by two large and several medium and small diamonds. This original setting remains unchanged, showcasing the Dresden Green Diamond as it is seen today.
Its name pays tribute to Dresden, the capital of the German state of Saxony, where it has been showcased for the past two centuries. Notably, it is currently housed in the New Green Vault at Dresden Castle.
The 41-carat Dresden Green Diamond (Source: GIA)
7. The Star of India
The Star of India is an impressive star sapphire, with a whopping weight of 563.35 carats – making it the world’s 3rd largest star sapphire in existence.
This gem comes from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and is now kept at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Cut into a cabochon, the Star of India displays a greyish-blue colour. Its milky appearance owes itself to the presence of rutile traces, and these same traces also give life to the mesmerizing star effect known as asterism. What sets this sapphire apart is its asterism, which can be observed from both the top and bottom surfaces of the gemstone.
The 563.35-carat, Star of India blue sapphire
In the captivating tapestry of Earth's treasures, these 7 iconic gemstones have woven their legendary tales, each a shining protagonist in the chronicles of time. From the fiery allure of The Black Prince’s Ruby to the blues of the Star of India, their stories echo across cultures and centuries. As gemmologists, we are reminded that these gems are not mere adornments - they are storytellers, bridging history, passion, and beauty. They remind us that within the Earth's embrace lie precious fragments of our shared heritage, waiting to be discovered and cherished by generations yet to come. Just as each gem has its unique facets, so do the narratives they embody, adding irreplaceable sparkle to the treasure trove of human experience.
