Diamonds have fascinated humanity for centuries—not just because of their extraordinary brilliance, but because of the secrets they carry. Some of the world’s most famous diamonds have passed through the hands of kings, emperors, thieves, and collectors, all while gathering stories of mystery, conflict, and power. These gemstones have witnessed battles, sparked political intrigue, and in some cases, have been blamed for curses.
This article takes you through a timeline of the most legendary diamonds in history and the mysterious paths they’ve taken across continents and centuries.
1. 4th Century BCE – The Koh-i-Noor: The Mountain of Light
One of the oldest known diamonds in the world, the Koh-i-Noor was originally discovered in India, possibly from the alluvial mines in Golconda. The name means “Mountain of Light” in Persian, and it has lived up to that name both in brightness and reputation.
The diamond has changed hands many times—through conquest, royal inheritance, and colonial acquisition. It belonged to several Indian dynasties including the Mughals, and was eventually taken by the British East India Company in 1849 after the annexation of Punjab. Today, it is set in the crown of the British Queen Mother, stored in the Tower of London.
Mystery: Many believe the Koh-i-Noor carries a curse that only affects men. Legend holds that “he who owns this diamond will own the world but will also know all its misfortunes.”
2. 1668 – The Hope Diamond: From Blue Brilliance to Dark Rumors
The Hope Diamond, famous for its rare deep blue color, is one of the most talked-about diamonds in history. It was likely discovered in India’s Golconda mines and originally weighed over 112 carats. It was sold to French King Louis XIV in 1668 and became known as the “French Blue.”
After being stolen during the French Revolution, it resurfaced in London in the early 1800s, eventually bought by Henry Philip Hope—giving the diamond its modern name.
Now weighing 45.52 carats after multiple cuttings, the Hope Diamond is housed in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Mystery: The diamond is said to be cursed, with several of its owners experiencing tragic fates including financial ruin, suicide, and murder. Historians remain divided on whether the stories are true or just sensational lore.
3. 1853 – The Darya-i-Noor: Sea of Light
The Darya-i-Noor, or “Sea of Light,” is one of the largest known pink diamonds in the world, weighing an estimated 182 carats. Like the Koh-i-Noor, it was discovered in India’s Golconda mines.
This diamond was a prized possession of Persian King Nader Shah, who took it during his invasion of India in 1739. It remains part of the Iranian Crown Jewels to this day.
Mystery: The true origin and structure of the Darya-i-Noor remain debated. Some experts believe it may be a part of a much larger stone that was split centuries ago.
4. 1877 – The Star of South Africa: A New Era Begins
The discovery of the Star of South Africa, an 83.5-carat rough diamond, marked the beginning of the South African diamond rush. Found by a shepherd boy on the banks of the Orange River, the diamond changed the world’s diamond map.
The diamond was eventually sold to the Earl of Dudley and cut into a 47.69-carat pear-shaped gem.
Mystery: While the diamond itself isn’t known for a specific curse, its discovery launched a wave of colonial exploitation in South Africa, setting the stage for both fortune and conflict in the region.
5. 1893 – The Excelsior Diamond: Lost in Pieces
Discovered in 1893 at the Jagersfontein Mine in South Africa, the Excelsior Diamond originally weighed 995 carats—the largest diamond found at the time.
Strangely, instead of being cut into one or a few large diamonds, it was broken into over 20 smaller gems. Many believe this was a commercial mistake, as larger diamonds tend to carry more historical and symbolic value.
Mystery: The decision to cut it into small pieces has never been fully explained, and the largest piece, only 69 carats, now rests in a private collection, far from public display.
6. 1905 – The Cullinan Diamond: The King of All Diamonds
The Cullinan Diamond remains the largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found, weighing an astonishing 3,106 carats. It was discovered in the Premier Mine of South Africa in 1905.
It was gifted to King Edward VII by the Transvaal government and cut into nine major stones and nearly 100 smaller ones. The two largest cuts—the Cullinan I (530.2 carats) and Cullinan II (317.4 carats)—now adorn the British Crown Jewels.
Mystery: During its transport to England, a decoy ship was used while the real diamond was mailed in an unmarked package, showcasing the lengths taken to protect such a priceless item.
7. 1966 – The Lesotho Diamond: A Hidden Treasure
The Lesotho Diamond, weighing 601 carats in its rough form, was found in the Kingdom of Lesotho by a shepherdess. What makes it unique is not only its size but the fact that it was discovered in a relatively new and small mining operation.
The stone was eventually sold at a Sotheby’s auction and cut by Harry Winston into 18 polished diamonds.
Mystery: Some speculate that larger diamonds lie undiscovered in the same region, but economic and environmental limitations have made exploration difficult.
8. 1985 – The Golden Jubilee Diamond: Larger Than Life
The Golden Jubilee Diamond is the largest cut and faceted diamond in the world, weighing 545.67 carats. Discovered in South Africa’s Premier Mine in 1985, it was originally named the “Unnamed Brown” due to its unusual color.
It was later gifted to the King of Thailand for his 50th coronation anniversary and now resides in the Royal Thai Palace.
Mystery: Despite its record size, the Golden Jubilee Diamond remains lesser-known than the Cullinan or Koh-i-Noor, partly because of its brown hue, which was once less favored in the jewelry market.
9. 2015 – The Lesedi La Rona: A Modern Marvel
Discovered in Botswana in 2015, the Lesedi La Rona weighed 1,109 carats—making it the second-largest rough diamond ever found. Its name means “Our Light” in the Tswana language.
Sold to a British jeweler for $53 million, the diamond was eventually cut into smaller stones, with the largest being over 300 carats.
Mystery: The exact internal quality of the stone was difficult to assess due to its size, and many experts debated how best to cut it without losing its value.
The Mystery and Power of Famous Diamonds
What makes a diamond legendary isn’t just its size or brilliance—it’s the journey it takes. From ancient riverbeds in India to vaults beneath royal palaces, these stones become characters in their own epic stories.
Each has seen the rise and fall of empires, the transformation of cultures, and the evolution of wealth and power. Some are still admired in museums or royal collections. Others have vanished into private hands, never to be seen again.
Conclusion: Stones That Tell Stories
Diamonds may be unbreakable in structure, but their histories are fragile—shaped by human hands, ambition, and often mystery. As we continue to unearth more precious stones from beneath the Earth, we add new chapters to this ongoing saga.
Yet no matter how modern the tools or advanced the technology, the allure of famous diamonds lies in their past: the legends, the secrets, and the timeless sparkle that has captivated us for millennia.