Kohinoor and 5 other legendary diamonds every diamond lover should know about

Diamonds might look fascinating, but the most popular ones in history did not always have a good love story. Since ancient times, they have been linked to extraordinary events, gaining tremendous attention and a reputation still mentioned in modern jewellery history. Let’s explore five other legendary diamonds that have captured people's hearts across centuries; who knows, they could inspire your engagement ring.

This mesmerising dark blue diamond is considered one of the world's most beautiful gemstones. It weighs around 45.62 carats, is the size of a walnut, and has Indian origins. This diamond phosphoresces, showing a rare red glow after exposure to UV light, and contains traces of boron. It passed through the hands of popular figures, from King Louis XIV to socialite heiress Evalyn Walsh McLean. However, tragedy and misfortune followed them, giving the piece a daunting reputation for being cursed. It was donated to the Smithsonian Institution and is currently on display.
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The Hortensia is a 20-carat pale pink and orange-hued diamond that is perfectly cut and uniquely shaped. Unlike the other diamonds mentioned on this list, Hortensia is smaller in size and is known for its appealing light pink colour and rich historical roots. This diamond was named after the Queen of Holland, who happened to be the stepdaughter of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. It currently sits in the Louvre in Paris and is part of the French Crown Jewels.(Image Credits: Pinterest)

The Taylor Burton Diamond is a somewhat newer addition to the family of world-famous pieces, as it was discovered in 1966 and weighs around 69 carats. It is one of the larger pieces on this list. As the name suggests, it was purchased by Richard Burton as a gift for the Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor. It was placed in a ring setting, and after his death in 1979, the actress sold it for around $2.8 million (approximately Rs 25 crores). A large portion of the proceeds was donated by her to Richard Burton’s charity.
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The Great Star of Africa, also known as Cullinan I, is the largest polished and colourless diamond in the world. Weighing around 530.20 carats, this beautiful gem was cut from a much larger rough diamond that originally weighed about 3,106 carats. Today, this alluring pear-shaped diamond is part of the British Crown Jewels collection. Unfortunately, you cannot see it on public display, as it is set in the royal sceptre housed in the Tower of London.
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The Dresden Green Diamond is a stunning 41-carat natural green gemstone that was mined from India’s Kollur Mine and acquired by Augustus the Strong for Saxony in 1740. It was popularly set in a hat ornament and remains a celebrated jewel, even after a notorious theft attempt in 2019. During the Seven Years' War and World War II, it was stored in secure vaults and later moved to the Königstein Fortress. In 2019, thieves broke into the Green Vault and stole several treasures, leaving the Dresden Green behind, despite it being one of the most valuable and famous items.
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The Koh-i-Noor, also known as the Mountain of Light, is an oval-cut diamond that weighs around 105 carats and looks magnificent. It has a long and complex history, with ownership frequently changing, beginning in India during the 14th century. This colourless, oval brilliant-cut diamond features 66 facets and is believed to be worth over $400 million. It was taken by the East India Company during the colonial period and presented to Queen Victoria, who wore it as a brooch. Today, this iconic gemstone is housed in the Tower of London and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
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