Diamonds Are Forever
There’s a misconception that jewelry is nothing more than a fashion accessory. The reality is that jewels have long played an important role in society as monikers of history. As a matter of fact, many gemstones and iconic pieces of jewelry have storied (and sometimes infamous) pasts that give historians and admirers alike a peek at what the world was like at the time of their creation.
Some have been plundered from conquered lands from ancient times. Others purchased as gifts by famous for their spouses and lovers or lived in the crown jewel collections of royals around the globe. All showcase the brilliance and artisanal talents of their makers. Undeniably, the world remains fascinated by the lore and notoriety of many of these jewels’ rich (and sometimes scandalous) beginnings.
Here, we take a deep and fascinating dive into some of the most renowned sparkling stones. Discover the history behind a cursed black diamond that made collectors superstitious, the sapphire once loved by Indian royalty, and other dazzling gems. Read on to learn about the most famous jewels in the world.
South China Morning Post//Getty Images1
The Hutton-Mdivani Necklace
Throughout history, jadeites have been treasured and worn by the world’s leading fashion icons and renowned female leaders. The most famous perhaps being the astonishing necklaces gifted to American socialite and heiress Barbara Hutton. The Hutton-Mdivani Necklace is composed of 27 graduated jadeite beads, all in an impeccable emerald shade, with a clasp set made of caliber-cut rubies and baguette diamonds. In 2014, the jadeite bead necklace sold for more than $27.4 million at Sotheby’s auction to the Cartier Collection.
2
The Star of Asia
Thought to be one of the crown jewels of India’s Maharajah of Jodhpur, the Star of Asia was found at the ancient Mogok mines in Burma. It’s considered to be one of the world’s finest star sapphires for the gem’s impressive, coming in at 330 carats. Another unique characteristic is the six-rayed star at the center of the perfectly-cut sapphire. The Star of Asia is currently on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
dbking//Wikimedia Commons3
Napoleon Diamond Necklace
Emperor Napoleon commissioned the Napoleon Diamond Necklace from the jewelry firm Etienne Nitôt and Sons of Paris for his second wife, Marie-Louise, to celebrate the birth of their first son. The original necklace featured 234 diamonds: 28 old mine-cut diamonds, a fringe of nine pendeloques, and 10 briolettes. It’s believed the cost necklace at that time was the equivalent to the Empress’s entire annual household budget. Today, the Napoleon Diamond Necklace is one display at the Museum of Natural History.
4
The Dresden Green
At 41 carats, the Dresden Green is the largest natural green diamond in the world. Thought to be mined in the Golconda region of India, the diamond’s history dates back to the early 18th century, when it was purchased by Friedrich Augustus I of Saxony for 400,000 thaler. At the time, that sum was equal to the value of four tons of gold. The diamond is now on view at Dresden Castle in Germany.
5
La Peregrina Pearl
Supposedly found off the coast of Panama in the mid-16th century, the La Peregrina Pearl was gifted to King Phillip II of Spain (Panama was a colony of the country at the time). He then turned around and presented the 58.5-carat pearl to Queen Mary of England as a bridal gift. It was glorified as being the most symmetrical natural pearl ever discovered and was eventually bought by Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor in 1969.
Bettmann//Getty Images6
The Taylor-Burton Diamond
In 1966, Harry Winston purchased a rough diamond at 241 carats, which was cut into a pear-shaped, nearly 70-carat, flawless diamond. Eventually, this iconic stone was purchased by Richard Burton as a gift for his wife Elizabeth Taylor, and the stone was renamed the Taylor-Burton Diamond. Now, the jewelry house pays homage to the remarkable diamond with pieces like the Diamond Loop necklace that glorify the original’s pear shape.
Graff7
The Graff Pink
After purchasing a 24.78-carat pink diamond in 2010, Laurence Graff of the renowned eponymous jewelry house set out to realize the stone’s true potential. He had the diamond reshaped and removed 20 natural flaws before renaming it The Graff Pink. The stone is now the most flawless pink diamond in the world, with vivid color, no internal flaws, and weighing in at 23.88 carats.
Hope Diamond8
The Hope Diamond
Perhaps one of the most well-known diamonds in the world, the Hope Diamond has a long, and supposedly cursed, history. It’s said to have originated in India and was first owned by King Louis XIV of France in 1668 before it was stolen and later appeared in the English royal court. The 45.52-carat blue diamond now resides in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Grace Kelly’s Engagement Ring9
Grace Kelly’s Engagement Ring
Grace Kelly’s engagement ring from Prince Rainier marked the beginning of her transformation from Hollywood starlet to royalty. Princess Grace wore her 10.47-carat engagement ring everywhere, even in the film High Society, where she appeared alongside Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. Its film appearance made it one of the most famous rings in the world, and today, the ring is worth over $4 million.
L’Incomparable Diamond10
L’Incomparable Diamond
L’Incomparable Diamond and necklace weighs in at 637 carats and is considered to be one of the most expensive necklaces in the world — it even has a Guinness World Record! The piece is valued at $55 million. The deep yellow 407.48-carat diamond featured as the focal point pendant is the largest internally flawless diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America.
