Famous Gems

Gemstones have been revered for their beauty and rarity throughout history. From ancient times to the present day, gemstones have played a significant role in culture and society. Some of the most famous gemstones in the world are revered not only for their beauty but also for their unique properties, stories and legends attached to them. Here are some of the most famous gemstones in the world as follows:

Famous gem

Koh-i-Noor

The Koh-i-Noor diamond is the most famous diamond in the world. The diamond originated in India, where it was first mined in the 13th century. Its name means "Mountain of Light" in Persian. It has been worn by numerous rulers throughout history, including Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal. In 1850, the diamond was acquired by the British East India Company and presented to Queen Victoria. It has since been set into a variety of royal regalia, including the Imperial State Crown, where it currently resides. The diamond is said to be cursed, with numerous legends claiming that it will bring bad luck to anyone who possesses it. Even though, this diamond remains as one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world.

Hope Diamond

The Hope Diamond is a blue diamond of exceptional beauty and size, weighing in at 45.52 carats. It is famous due to its deep blue color. The diamond has a storied past, having been owned by several prominent figures throughout history, including Louis XIV of France and Marie Antoinette. The diamond was eventually purchased by American heiress Evalyn Walsh McLean, who owned it until her death in 1947. The Hope Diamond is also rumored to be cursed, with many of its owners experiencing misfortune and tragedy. Nevertheless, the diamond remains a popular attraction at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, where it is on permanent display.

Cullinan Diamond

The Cullinan Diamond is the largest gem-quality diamond ever found, weighing in at a staggering 3,106 carats. The diamond was discovered in South Africa in 1905 and was named after the owner of the mine where it was found. The diamond was eventually purchased by the Transvaal government and presented to King Edward VII of England. The Cullinan Diamond was eventually cut into nine large diamonds and a number of smaller stones. The two largest of these stones, known as the Great Star of Africa and the Lesser Star of Africa, are now part of the British Crown Jewels. The Cullinan Diamond is also significant for its role in the history of diamond cutting, as its unique size and shape posed significant challenges to the diamond cutters who worked on it.

Star of India

The Star of India is a rare and beautiful star sapphire that is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The gemstone was discovered in Sri Lanka in the 19th century. J. P Morgan bought the gem, and then donated to the American Museum of Natural History, New York City. The Star of India is notable not only for its size and beauty but also for its unique star-shaped pattern, which is caused by the presence of tiny inclusions in the crystal structure of the stone.

Black Prince's Ruby

Despite its name, the Black Prince's Ruby is not actually a ruby but a red spinel. The gemstone is one of the oldest and most significant in the British Crown Jewels, having been worn by numerous monarchs throughout history. The stone is thought to have been acquired by Edward, the Black Prince, during his campaigns in Spain in the 14th century. The Black Prince's Ruby is set in the Imperial State Crown, where it is one of the most prominent gemstones.

The Great Mogul Diamond

The Great Mogul Diamond is one of the most famous diamonds in the world, known for its exceptional size and beauty. The diamond was discovered in India in the 17th century and was named after the Mughal Empire, where it was originally found. The diamond is estimated to have weighed between 787 and 787.5 carats before it was cut, making it one of the largest diamonds ever found. The Great Mogul Diamond was eventually cut into several smaller stones, but its exact whereabouts are unknown. Some historians believe that the diamond was destroyed during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, while others speculate that it may still be in the possession of a private collector.

Star of Africa

The Star of Africa, also known as the Cullinan I diamond, is the largest polished white diamond in the world, weighing in at 530.2 carats. The diamond was cut from the Cullinan Diamond and is part of the British Crown Jewels. The diamond is set in the head of the Sceptre with the Cross, which is one of the most important symbols of the British monarchy.

The Dresden Green

The Dresden Green is a rare and beautiful green diamond that is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The diamond is named after the city of Dresden, where it has been on display since the 18th century. The Dresden Green is notable for its vivid green color, which is thought to be due to the presence of natural radiation within the crystal structure of the stone.

The Orlov Diamond

The Orlov Diamond is a large, blue diamond that is thought to have originated in India. The diamond was eventually acquired by the Russian Empress Catherine the Great and was set into the Imperial Sceptre of the Russian Crown Jewels. The diamond is notable not only for its size and beauty but also for its unique history, as it was reportedly stolen from a temple in India before it was acquired by Catherine the Great.

The Tiffany Yellow Diamond

The Tiffany Yellow Diamond is one of the largest yellow diamonds in the world, weighing in at 128.54 carats. The diamond was discovered in South Africa in the late 19th century and was eventually purchased by Charles Tiffany, the founder of Tiffany & Co. Now, the diamond is now part of the Tiffany & Co's collection. It is considered as one of the most important gems in the world.

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