Gemstones have been prized throughout human history for their beauty, rarity, and symbolic significance. From ancient times to the present day, people have coveted and collected gemstones for their personal adornment, religious rituals, and as a symbol of power and wealth. Here are 10 of the most famous gemstones in the world, each with its own unique story and significance:
Contents
Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond is a large blue diamond, weighing in at 45.52 carats, and is one of the most famous diamonds in the world. It has a long and colorful history that includes legends of curses and mystery. The diamond is believed to have been mined in India and was originally purchased by French merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier in the 17th century. It was later owned by several prominent figures, including King Louis XIV of France, before eventually being acquired by wealthy American heiress Evalyn Walsh McLean in the early 20th century. McLean owned the diamond until her death in 1947, and the stone was later donated to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. Today, the Hope Diamond remains one of the most popular exhibits in the museum, drawing millions of visitors each year. The diamond is known for its unique blue color, which is believed to be caused by the presence of trace amounts of boron in the stone’s crystal structure.
Koh-i-Noor Diamond
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond is another famous gemstone that has a rich history. It is a large, colorless diamond that weighs approximately 105.6 carats, making it one of the largest diamonds in the world. The diamond is believed to have been mined in India and was owned by various rulers in India and Persia before it was taken by the British East India Company and presented to Queen Victoria in 1850. Since then, it has been worn by several queens and is currently set in the front of the Queen Mother’s Crown, which is displayed in the Tower of London. The diamond has been the subject of numerous legends and myths, including the belief that it brings bad luck to any man who wears it. The Koh-i-Noor Diamond is known for its exceptional clarity and is considered one of the most valuable diamonds in the world.
Black Prince’s Ruby
Black Prince’s Ruby is actually not a ruby but a red spinel gemstone. It is one of the most famous gemstones in the world and is set in the Imperial State Crown of England, which is displayed in the Tower of London. The gemstone weighs approximately 170 carats and has a deep red color that is similar to that of a ruby. The stone has a long and fascinating history, having been owned by many prominent figures throughout the centuries, including Pedro the Cruel of Spain, Henry V of England, and the Black Prince, son of King Edward III. The stone gets its name from the Black Prince, who is said to have worn it into battle on his helmet. The Black Prince’s Ruby is believed to have originated in the mines of Badakhshan, in what is now Tajikistan, and was brought to Europe by traders in the 14th century. The stone is notable for its rich color and historical significance.
The Star of India
The Star of India is one of the largest sapphires in the world and is considered one of the most famous gemstones. The gemstone weighs approximately 563 carats and has a unique star-shaped inclusion, which is caused by the presence of tiny mineral fibers in the stone. The Star of India is believed to have been mined in Sri Lanka and was acquired by famous gem collector J.P. Morgan in the early 20th century. The stone is now on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, where it is one of the most popular exhibits. The Star of India is notable for its large size, unique star-shaped inclusion, and deep blue color, which is characteristic of high-quality sapphires.
The Cullinan Diamond
The Cullinan Diamond is one of the largest diamonds ever found, with a weight of approximately 3,106.75 carats. The diamond was discovered in the Premier Mine in South Africa in 1905 and was named after the mine’s owner, Thomas Cullinan. The diamond was later purchased by the Transvaal government and presented to King Edward VII as a gift in 1907. The Cullinan Diamond was eventually cut into nine large diamonds and 96 smaller diamonds, which are now known as the Cullinan I, II, III, and so on. The largest of these diamonds, known as the Cullinan I or the Great Star of Africa, weighs approximately 530 carats and is the largest clear cut diamond in the world. The Cullinan II, also known as the Lesser Star of Africa, weighs approximately 317 carats and is the fourth largest polished diamond in the world. The Cullinan Diamond is notable for its massive size and extraordinary clarity, and is considered one of the most valuable gemstones in the world.
The Regent Diamond
The Regent Diamond is one of the largest and most famous diamonds in the world. It weighs approximately 140.64 carats and is known for its exceptional clarity and cut. The diamond was discovered in the 17th century in the Kollur mine in Golconda, India, and was later acquired by the French government in 1717. The diamond was then cut into its current cushion shape by the renowned diamond cutter Louis Berquem. The Regent Diamond was used to adorn the French crown jewels and was worn by many French kings, including Louis XV and Napoleon Bonaparte. After the French Revolution, the diamond was briefly stolen but was later recovered and returned to the French crown jewels. Today, the Regent Diamond is on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it is one of the most popular exhibits. The diamond is notable for its large size, exceptional clarity, and historical significance.
The Dresden Green Diamond
The Dresden Green Diamond is one of the largest and most famous green diamonds in the world. It weighs approximately 41 carats and is known for its intense green color, which is caused by trace amounts of natural radiation. The diamond was discovered in India in the 18th century and was later acquired by Frederick Augustus I of Saxony. The diamond was named after the city of Dresden, where it was kept in the Green Vault of the Royal Palace. During World War II, the diamond was moved to a secret location for safekeeping, and it was later returned to Dresden after the war. Today, the Dresden Green Diamond is on display at the Dresden Castle in Germany, where it is one of the most popular exhibits. The diamond is notable for its intense green color, exceptional clarity, and historical significance.
The Star of Africa
The Star of Africa, also known as the Cullinan I, is one of the most famous and valuable diamonds in the world. It is a pear-shaped diamond that weighs approximately 530.20 carats and is the largest clear cut diamond in the world. The diamond was cut from the Cullinan Diamond, which was discovered in the Premier Mine in South Africa in 1905. The Cullinan Diamond was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the mine, and was eventually purchased by the Transvaal government and presented to King Edward VII as a gift in 1907. The Star of Africa was then cut from the Cullinan Diamond by the Asscher Diamond Company in Amsterdam. The diamond is set in the Royal Sceptre of the British Crown Jewels, and is kept in the Tower of London. The Star of Africa is notable for its massive size, exceptional clarity, and historical significance.
The Timur Ruby
The Timur Ruby is a famous gemstone that is not actually a ruby, but rather a large, red spinel. It weighs approximately 361 carats and is considered one of the largest spinels in the world. The stone is named after the conqueror Timur, also known as Tamerlane, who is believed to have owned the stone in the 14th century. The Timur Ruby has a long and storied history, and has passed through the hands of many notable figures throughout the centuries. It was eventually acquired by the British East India Company and presented to Queen Victoria as a gift in 1851. Today, the Timur Ruby is part of the British Crown Jewels and is on display in the Tower of London. The stone is notable for its large size, intense red color, and historical significance.
