Famous Diamonds: The Koh-I-Noor (108,93ct.)

FAMOUS DIAMONDS:
THE KOH-I-NOOR

KOH - I - NOOR

This 108,93ct stone is one of the largest of the famous diamonds. In its rough state it weighted around 800ct.

The name Koh-I-Noor could have a couple of meanings: some say it means �big diamond of Kollur,� others, �mountain of light.�

The first record found about the Koh-I-Noor dates on 1304 when it belonged to the Rajah of Malwa. Later the stone was conquered by the imperor Babur, who started the Mongol dynasty.

In 1739, the Persian Ahmad Shah invaded Deli and searched all over town for the stone without success. Then, one of the harem�s women told Shah that The Emperor always had the stone hidden in his turban.

Shah invited The Emperor to a party and taking advantage of an oriental tradition asked for the �turban exchange.� The gem belonged to Shah until 1747, when he was murdered. The diamond was then harshly disputed by his successors.

In 1850, it was given to Queen Victoria in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Oriental India Company. The Queen asked for the stone to be cut again, its 186ct then became 108,93. In 1911, a new crown was made for Queen Mary with the Koh-I-Noor as central stone. In 1937, it was transferred to the crown of Queen Elizabeth for her Crowning.

The diamond is now, along with other famous diamonds, part of the Imperial State Crown of Great Britain. The government of India has repeatedly lobbied the British Government and the British monarchy for the return of this diamond, claiming legitimate ownership. As of 2003, nothing has come of these requests.

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FAMOUS DIAMONDS: THE KOH-I-NOOR

FAMOUS DIAMONDS:
THE KOH-I-NOOR