Worths Diamonds

THE ROMANCE ENDURES

The story of diamonds of course, is one that goes on forever. Many diamonds have found a permanent place in history and legend. Here are a few facts about some of them.

Koh-i-noor: Legend says that whoever owns the Koh-i-noor rules the world. Currently it is among the British Crown Jewels. First mentioned in India in 1297, it is oval shaped and weighs 105.60 carats.

The Cullinan: Originally weighing over a pound and a half (more than 3000 carats), this is the largest diamond ever found. It was cut into 9 major stones and 96 smaller ones. Two of the major stones are in the British Crown Jewels.

The Centenary: Discovered on July 1986, this 599.10 carat stone in its rough form resembled an irregular matchbox. A team of master cutters took nearly 3 years to transform it into the 273.85 carat Centenary diamond unveiled at the Tower of London in May 1991.

The Orloff: Originally the eye of an Indian idol. According to legend this stone was a gift from Prince Orloff to his former lover, Catherine the Great of Russia. Currently in the Diamond Treasury in Moscow.

Taylor-Burton: This 69.42 carat pear-shaped stone was sold at auction with the understanding that it could be named by the buyer. Cartier of New York bought it and called it Cartier. A day later, Richard Burton bought it for Elizabeth Taylor and renamed it the Taylor-Burton. It was sold again in 1979 for nearly $3 million and was last reported in Saudi Arabia.

The Hope: Owned by Louis XIV and stolen during the French Revolution, this 45.52 carat diamond was carried to London and bought by the Hope family in 1830. This is where its reputation for bad luck began: the entire family died in poverty. Currently in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington.