Diamonds with Interesting Histories
Diamond derived from the Greek word Adamas, which translates to unconquerable is known for its ageless aesthetic that symbolizes a boundless love and commitment. Its character fits perfectly from the stone’s name itself since one of its greatest attributes is durability.
Behind its exterior expression lies a magnificent history regarding love and commitment. Diamonds are most sought for creating engagement rings. The use of rings was introduced back in Roman history as a symbol of commitment. Apart from rings, diamonds were known to be a symbol of social class. Historically, citizens use diamonds to determine each individual’s rank in society.
Fast forward to the 20th century, diamonds still comes with a price and holds such precious value. Here are some diamonds that have interesting backgrounds.
- Kohn-i-Noor
The Mountain of Light diamond found in the 13th century is a luminous 105.6-carat diamond from Persia. This had been passed through various dynasties, including the fifth Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan who commissioned the remarkable Taj Mahal.
It was then presented to Queen Victoria, Empress of India, after the death of its last Indian owner. Three more British Queens have worn this statement diamond which was placed in the crown of the female consort to the Monarch of the United Kingdom.
- The Hope Diamond
Among other stones, The Hope Diamond has one of the most exceptional histories. It was believed to have come from India and was sold as a rough stone to Louis XIV. From its original size of 112-carat, Louis XIV downsized the stone to 67.50-carat and named it the Blue Diamond of the Crown of France. The diamond was then stolen during the French Revolution and was only brought back after the statutes of limitation about the theft expired.
Rumor has it that due to its Indian origin, the stone was assumed to have a curse from the Hindu goddess, Sita. Despite the history, it was newly named to be The Hope.
- The Sancy
The shape of the diamond itself was already interesting. This 55.23-carat shield-shaped diamond displays a pale yellow exterior and was once owned by a French Ambassador to Turkey. The ambassador loaned it to King Henry III and he had set it into a cap to hide his baldness.
The diamond then disappeared during the French Revolution but resurfaced again to be sold to Louvre in 1978.
Conclusion
Diamonds exhibit great history in many aspects. It could be because of its place of production, the people who have worn it, or the great expeditions it went through. Nonetheless, astonishing histories like these make diamonds more appealing than what meets the eyes.