Kohinoor diamond, the largest and most valuable diamond in the world, is a historic symbol of power, wealth, and adornment. It’s been featured in the coronation of over 30 British monarchs and continues to be an important part of British identity today. However, it was once stolen and sold by one man who managed to keep it hidden for three decades before being discovered. Kohinoor diamond price indian rupees is 162680000000. The story of Kohinoor’s origins is quite intriguing. It could be the most incredible tale of deception and intrigue in British history. Caught between a means to an end and everything that condemns it, the Kohinoor diamond helped shape the identity of Britain both into and out of the royal family.
It was originally cut from a huge 811-carat rough stone found in India in 1822 by British engineer Sir John Shore, who later sold it to Prince Gharib Nawaz Khan on behalf of his superior, King George IV. However, as soon as Shore accepted payment, he reclaimed the jewel and took it with him back to England.
Seven Things You Need To Know About Kohinoor Diamond Today :
1. The Largest Diamond in the World
Considerable efforts have been made by the United Kingdom to reclaim Kohinoor diamond from India. But, this big diamond is not owned by India. It was initially cut from a huge 811-carat rough stone found in India in 1822 by British engineer Sir John Shore, who later sold it to Prince Gharib Nawaz Khan on behalf of his superior, King George IV.
Tensions rose and Shore took back the Kohinoor diamond without paying for it. He and his partners tried several times to sell it, but nobody would buy it because of its prohibitive cost. Finally, they realized that nobody else would buy it either because of its size so they gave up.
2. The British Monarchy versus the Kohinoor Diamond
The Kohinoor diamond is the cause of an ongoing debate between India and Britain regarding its ownership. For many years, the United Kingdom has been demanding that it should be returned to them but India maintains that they have a right over it due to its history and origin. According to reports, every year around April – May, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II receives a number of letters asking her to return the precious jewel back to India and she replies that ‘the diamond is safe in the royal vault’. When an Indian journalist asked her about returning the jewel back to India during her visit in 1997, she said: “well, we could look at various options. But let me look at them, I will come to you and tell you.”
3. The Kohinoor Diamond – a Symbol of Love
The Kohinoor diamond’s history dates back to the 13th century, when Sultan of Lahore gave the gemstones along with the rest of his daughter’s dowry. The diamond was worn by the bride during the wedding ceremony and then in public during formal occasions.
4. Where is Kohinoor? A Curse on its Keepers?
Since its roots are in India, there have been many rumors about it being cursed and bringing bad luck to those who keep it for a long time. It has been claimed that the jewel has re-appeared from its hiding place under the pillow of Edward VII (who was king before King George IV), then disappeared again for a short amount of time before resurfacing once again under the pillow of his nephew, King George V. The diamond is thought to be cursed – at least twice. In 1930, it was stolen by a man named John Henry Hall. He successfully hid the stone for three decades.
5. Kohinoor’s Long Journey Home
In 1946, then India’s leader Sir Mountbatten made a deal with Pakistani authorities to hand over the Kohinoor diamond as part of their war efforts against Japan and gave them ownership of it in return. However, the Queen Mother, who inherited the diamond upon her father’s death in 1955, refused to give it back. The jewel remained in the vault of Buckingham Palace for years and was never displayed publicly before being returned to India on October 7, 1958 and given back to India’s ruler – Mountbatten’s nephew.
6. Kohinoor Jewelers
You can now buy a diamond that is cut from the same piece of stone as the Kohinoor with a total weight of 1.3 carat for £128,750. It is mainly created by independent dealerships in London and does not have any endorsement from the royal family or government establishments. There is not a single person in the world who owns the original Kohinoor diamond but there are two diamonds that were made from the same stone. They were given to King Edward VII and then Queen Alexandra, who was married to him. One was lost during WWII and it was never found. The other diamond has been in the Commonwealth since 1952 and has been passed down through family members.
7. Half of its original weight still exists
Considering that all of the diamonds mentioned above are cut, polished and cut again from this gemstone, around half of its original weight (the 700-carats) still remains.
