Kohinoor Diamond Overview

The following is the overview of the Kohinoor Diamond:

Attribute Details
Name Koh-i-Noor
Weight 105.602 carats (21.1204 g)
Dimensions 3.6 cm (length), 3.2 cm (width), 1.3 cm (depth)
Color D (colorless)
Type Type IIa
Cut Oval brilliant with 66 facets, cut by Levie Benjamin Voorzanger
Owner Charles III in right of The Crown
Display Location Jewel House at the Tower of London
Origin Legends, earliest attested record from 1740s
Early History Nader Shah looted it from Delhi in the 1740s
Cutting History Original Mughal cut, re-cut in 1852 by Coster Diamonds under Prince Albert’s orders
Current Display Set in the Crown of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
Ownership Disputes India, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Taliban have claimed ownership
Legal Status British government insists it was obtained legally under the terms of the Last Treaty of Lahore

The Kohinoor is a famous diamond from India. It has a long history of over 500 years. The Kohinoor originally belonged to different royal families in South Asia. In 1849, after the British defeated the Sikhs, the Kohinoor diamond was given to Queen Victoria and the British royal family. Since then, it has been part of the British Crown Jewels. Today the Kohinoor diamond is displayed in the Tower of London.

However, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan believe the Kohinoor rightfully belongs to them based on its earlier history. But Britain insists they obtained the diamond legally and refuse to return it. So while the British royal family technically owns the Kohinoor diamond now, its ownership remains controversial because of its complex past.

Kohinoor Diamond: History, Origin, Price, Curse

Kohinoor Diamond: The Koh-i-Noor, alternatively spelled as Koh-e-Noor, Kohinoor, and Koh-i-Nur, stands among the world’s most sizable cut diamonds, boasting a weight of 105.6 carats (21.12 grams).

The Kohinoor Diamond holds a unique and esteemed status in the world of gemstones, primarily attributed to its exceptional qualities and rich history. Weighing an impressive 105.6 carats (21.12 grams), it ranks among the largest diamonds globally, captivating observers with its substantial size.

In this article, We have covered The Complete History of the Kohinoor Diamond, its Origin, price, Curse, Current Owner, and many more.

Let’s dive right in.

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Kohinoor Diamond Overview

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History of Kohinoor Diamond

The following history of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond:...

Ownership of Kohinoor Diamond

India has claimed ownership of the Kohinoor since it originated there centuries ago. The diamond was taken away from India during periods of conquest by Mughals, Persians, and later the British. Pakistan has also staked claim over the Kohinoor based on the argument that it was last possessed by the former Sikh empire located in present-day Pakistan. Iran has claimed the Kohinoor was stolen from its territory during the early 19th century by Sikh forces. So they argue for its return. Afghanistan has periodically demanded the return of Kohinoor to them, citing its taking by the Sikhs in 1813 after the assassination of Shah Shuja Durrani. The Taliban government of Afghanistan also demanded Kohinoor be repatriated during the 1990s. The British government has refused to entertain any claims over the Kohinoor citing it was legally ceded to Queen Victoria after the Anglo-Sikh Wars. Legal experts argue taking of Kohinoor did not necessarily violate laws during the 19th-century imperial era. Descendants of Ranjit Singh believe the Kohinoor was surrendered under duress and should thus be returned. UNESCO Convention prohibits the stealing of cultural property during times of war and occupation. But it does not apply retroactively....

Curse of Kohinoor Diamond

The Kohinoor diamond has long been shrouded in mystery and intrigue, its dazzling facets shadowed by a sinister reputation as a harbinger of misfortune. As the legendary gem passed through royal dynasties, tales of greed, death and despair marked its passage....

Price of Kohinoor Diamond

The following is the price specification of kohinoor Dimond:...

Myths about the Kohinoor Diamond.

Cursed stone – There is a myth that the Kohinoor carries a curse and brings bad luck to any man who wears it. However, this myth originated in the 20th century and has no historical basis. Mountain of light – The name Kohinoor means “Mountain of Light” in Persian, referring to its brilliant shine. However, the diamond was likely named this for marketing reasons. God’s stone – There is a myth that the Kohinoor was first mention in ancient Hindu texts as a jewel of the gods. But the earliest texts describing the diamond date back to the 14th century. Mughal origins – Some myths state that Kohinoor was mined in India during the Mughal empire. But it was actually mined in the Golconda region and gifted to Mughal rulers later on. Magical powers – Myths assign the Kohinoor mystical powers like protecting against evil, helping gain throne, etc. But these are unsubstantiated stories. Misshapen – Contrary to myth, the Kohinoor was not originally misshapen or defective. It has always been prized for its clarity and impressive size. Cursed Mughals – Myths often connect Kohinoor to Mughal ruin, but its acquisition occurred long after the Mughal empire crumbled due to multiple factors....

Kohinoor Diamond’s Acquisition by Queen Victoria

The Kohinoor originally belonged to the Kakatiya dynasty in India in the 13th century before passing through the hands of the Delhi Sultanate, Babur’s Empire and the Mughal Empire. In 1739, Persian ruler Nader Shah invaded Northern India and seized the Kohinoor along with other famed diamonds like Darya-ye Noor. After Nader Shah’s death, the Kohinoor fell into the hands of the Afghan Durrani Empire. It was then inherited by Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire in 1813. In 1849, after the Second Anglo-Sikh war, the kingdom of Punjab was annexed by the British East India Company. As part of the Treaty of Lahore, the Kohinoor was surrendered by Dulip Singh, son of Ranjit Singh, to the British as compensation for war reparations. On July 3, 1850, the Kohinoor was formally presented to Queen Victoria by the East India Company. The diamond was later displayed at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London as part of the India exhibit. Thousands marveled at it. In 1852, Prince Albert had the Kohinoor fitted into a brooch specifically designed for Queen Victoria. So the Kohinoor diamond ultimately ended up as British property through annexation of Punjab and the Treaty of Lahore that formally ceded the stone....

FAQs on Kohinoor Diamond

Does the­ Kohinoor Diamond carry a curse?...