One of A Kind Designer Jewelry

Diamonds are so precious not only because of their economic value.  The manner it was discovered and created adds value to it. Even the previous owners and historical personalities who owned or use it and its unique characteristics and features prove to be attributable factors for its worth.  Below are famous diamonds that holds record at some point in history.  Some are publicly displayed while others remain anonymous of its owners and whereabouts. 

§    The Hope
A slave in India came up to a renowned French traveler during the 17^th century and offered what seemed to be a huge sapphire.  Later on, Jean Baptiste Tavernier realized it was the biggest deep blue diamond he had ever seen – 45.52 carat.  He smuggled the diamond to Paris and sold it to King Louis XIV.  The King gave it to Madame de Montespan who shortly went into royal discard.  Princess de Lamballie and Marie Antoinette were among those who wore the precious jewel.  The diamond vanished for many years and was not heard at all until 1830 in England.  A lot of prominent personality took hold of it including the American actress May Yohe, and the Sultan of Turkey Abdul Hamid II.  Currently, it is being displayed in Washington D.C. 

§  Cullinan DiamondIn
January 26, 1905, the largest rough gem-quality diamond was discovered weighing 3,106 Carats , it was uncovered  in a mining site in South Africa and later named after the mine’s owner Sir William Crookes. This diamond was acquired by the Transvaal government and was presented to King Edward VII.  The stone was later cut into 3 large parts and ultimately into 11 big gem-quality stones and several smaller fragments. The 2 largest polished gems from the stone are the Cullinan I also known as the Great Star of Africa at 530.20 Carats and Cullinan II or the Lesser Star of Africa at 317.40 Carats.  Both are part of the British crown jewels and exhibited at the Tower of London.

§   Koh-i-Noor
This gem previously holds the record as the largest diamond in the world at 105 carat. It was found in Andhra Pradesh, India. Due to its value, various Persian and Indian leaders fought resentfully to have it.  Traditional beliefs say that any man who wears or owns it will have misfortunes or death.  Ironically, it brings the opposite to female owners.  The first one to use the stone was Queen Alexandra then followed by Queen Mary. The gem stone was then put into Queen Elizabeth’s crown, the wife of King George VI.  When the Queen Mother died in 2002, the crown was laid atop her coffin. 

§   Centenary Diamond
Regarded as the world’s largest colorless and flawless diamond, the Centenary Diamond weighs 273.85 carats and is the largest diamond that have been produced from the Premier Mine.  It was named Centenary in line with De Beers Centennial Celebration on May 11, 1988.  The gem stone was insured at an amount of more than US$100 million during the time it was unveiled. It was loaned to the Tower of London but as of now it is no longer owned by De Beers with the current owner still unknown.    GP