Most Popular Gems of all time. Here is a list: There are numerous gems one should know about. Here find the interesting facts of how and where they came from and where are these today.
The list of gems
The Hope Diamond
Given its name after Sir Thomas Hope, and also known as French Blue, it was cut from a huge diamond called Tavernier Blue. Earlier, it was found in India but later it was deported to France sometime during the late 17th century. The Hope Diamond was separated from the Crown of France and smuggled to London during the French Revolution.
Koh-i-Noor
The world’s most famous and exquisite diamond, the Koh-i-Noor is regarded as one of the oldest diamonds in history, dated as old as 5000 years. The gem has gained its name from a Persian word meaning ‘Mountain of Light’. It is said to have shared its history with India. The Koh-i-Noor had emerged from a mine in Andhra Pradesh and was with India till 1849, after that with the conquest of Punjab by the British forces. The stone was transferred to the treasury of The East India Company from where it was handed over to Queen Victoria in the year 1850.
Today, the Koh-i-Noor is set in the crown worn by the consort of United Kingdom and is a part of the Crown Jewels. In her will, Queen Victoria mentioned that the Koh-i-Noor would only be worn by a woman to which presently, Kate Middleton is deemed to be next in line.
The list continues :
Black Prince’s Ruby
The gem is said to have been found from a mine in Tajikistan, owned by a Moorish Prince. During the 14th century, the Prince was murdered by Don Pedro. The jewel was handed over to the Black Prince, son of Edward III of England.
Typically not a Ruby, the Black Prince’s Ruby is as big as the size of a chicken’s egg, uncut but polished. Later the stone was sold to Oliver Cromwell and restored in the Imperial State Crown. Today it is being displayed in the Crown Jewels.
Star of India
The Star of India is one of the largest and most famous sapphires in the world. Rutile, a mineral in the stone, gives it a milky look and a star like a shape. The gem is as big as a golf ball and was donated to the American Museum of Natural History by Sir J. P. Morgan in 1964. Later the Star of India was stolen from the museum and was never seen again, except for once in Miami.
Pearl of Lao Tzu
The Pearl of Lao Tzu is the largest pearl in the world and is also known as the Pearl of Allah, as it resembles the shape of a turban. Discovered by Filipino but acquired by American Wilburn Cobb, the stone was transferred to Peter Hoffman, Joseph Bonicelli and Victor Barbish in exchange for some money. Today, the stone is owned by their heirs and is kept away from public displays.
These gems are rare to find.
