The Stories Behind the World’s Most Legendary Gemstones
People have long been captivated by gemstones, drawn to their vibrant colors, stunning beauty, and rich history. There are some gemstones that have had a slightly more interesting past than the ones set into your grandmother’s engagement ring or worn in a pendant by your great aunt Margaret. Some gemstones were owned by royalty, used for bribes, or even stolen by thieves.
Many people believe gemstones carry curses or blessings that can profoundly impact their owner, influenced by both the owner's intentions and how the gemstone was acquired. Throughout history, gemstones have been a symbol of power and very sought after. If you've ever wondered which gemstones are the most famous of all time, here’s our (somewhat) definitive list.
The Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond is perhaps the most famous of all historical gemstones. It is a 45.52 carat dark blue diamond that glows under UV light. It was believed to have been mined from the Kollur Mine in India, and has been sold many times to different members of the wealthy European community. It found its way to France, where it was cut (faceted) and put into the royal collection. But during the French Revolution, the diamond was stolen and ended up back in London, bouncing around here and there before ending up with Evalyn Walsh McLean, who was an aristocrat from America. The Hope Diamond is supposedly cursed, having been originally stolen from a temple idol, and misfortune has come upon many of its owners. It eventually ended up in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, where it can be adored by the public without the fear of great misfortune.
For those who appreciate the beauty of The Hope Diamond and would love to own something similarly beautiful on a more affordable budget, blue sapphire or London blue topaz are great options because they have a deep rich blue color that mimics that of The Hope Diamond.
The Star of India
The Star of India is a 563.35 carat star sapphire that originated in Sri Lanka. It is blue-ish gray in color and has the distinctive star pattern called asterism that distinguishes a star sapphire from other stones. It was donated to the American Museum of Natural History in New York, but was stolen in 1964 by Jack Murphy before it was found again in Miami and taken back to the museum where it belonged. It is still on display there for the public to enjoy. While a star sapphire of that size carries a high price tag, there are plenty of smaller star sapphire options that would be beautiful affordable options should you desire to replicate the look of The Star of India.
The Black Orlov
There is certainly a theme starting to develop with gemstones being stolen, and it continues with The Black Orlov Diamond, which is a 67.50 carat black diamond that was supposedly stolen from a Hindu temple, unleashing a curse on the stone that brought misfortune to its owners–many even leading to their deaths. The diamond was finally re-cut into smaller pieces in the 20th century and now belongs to a private collection, but the curse seems to have been broken. Black diamonds get their color due to being highly included and they are fairly accessible nowadays. If you prefer a different gemstone because you’re trying to avoid a similar curse, then check out onyx for a great alternative.
The Koh-i-Noor
The Koh-i-Noor has a long and complicated history dating back to the 14th century, where it was owned by various people in Persia and India. Known as the Mountain of Light, this stone supposedly carries great power and ended up with the British East India Company, who then presented it to Queen Victoria in 1850. It was later cut (faceted) to make it even more brilliant and was set into the Queen Mother’s Crown, where it still resides today in the Tower of London. There are those who say that the diamond is cursed, but only if worn by a male, so it continues to be worn only by female royals just in case. While diamonds can be quite affordable depending upon their size, you can also take a look at lab grown diamonds or moissanite if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to The Koh-i-Noor.
The Dresden Green
The Dresden Green Diamond is famous not for the power it holds, but because of how rare it is. It is a 41 carat natural green diamond which was discovered in the Golconda mine in India. It was acquired by Augustus III of Poland in the 18th century and now sits in the Green Vault in Dresden, Germany. The color of this diamond is due to exposure to natural radiation over time. And while a similar diamond would cost more than we care to imagine, there are certainly several alternatives that won’t break your pocket book. Green tourmaline or lab grown emeralds can also be a beautiful bright green and would make a lovely alternative to The Dresden Green Diamond.
The Regent Diamond
The Regent Diamond, which originated in India in the 17th century, is a 140.64 carat cushion cut diamond. It was first purchased by Thomas Pitt–who was a British governor–before he sold it to the French royal family. It was set into crowns worn by Louis XV and Louis XVI, and was also set into Napoleon Bonaparte’s sword. It currently lives in the Louvre Museum in Paris, where the public can appreciate its beauty. Cushion cut diamonds are easily accessible today, but if a diamond is out of your current price range, take a look at moissanite or white zircon for a comparable look.
Final Thoughts
While some of these legendary gemstones are currently owned by private collectors, others reside in museums for the public to enjoy, and some will live permanently set in jewelry owned by various royalty. In case you want to do more research own, here’s a recap of our list of the most famous gemstones of all time:
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The Hope Diamond
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The Star of India
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The Black Orlov
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The Koh-i-Noor
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The Dresden Green
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The Regent Diamond
Let us know if you come across any that we should add to the list!
It’s really no wonder we are so fascinated with historical gemstones. They have some truly incredible stories and have traversed the world. From adorning royalty to being stolen in daring heists, these gemstones have endured incredible journeys before finding their current resting places. These few are just a small sample of the gemstones that we know about, and there are surely many more stories that have yet to be told.
Although we may never get close enough to truly admire these legendary gemstones, plenty of affordable alternatives can add beauty to our own collections. They may not grant superhuman powers, but at least the stone you choose won’t come with a curse—right?