“Rough diamonds may sometimes be mistaken for worthless pebbles”. According to this statement by English author Sir Thomas Browne, not many people can tell the difference between a real diamond from a fake one.

A diamond found in its natural form is crude and lacks lustre. The worth of a diamond can only be identified by a skilled craftsman. Those students who are pursuing a jewellery design course are at an advantage of learning about the various types of gemstones under the vast topic of Gemology.

Read on to know more about world-famous diamonds:

 

1. Koh-I-Noor Diamond

 

The Koh-I-Noor diamond is considered as the most expensive of all. This diamond was mined near Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, India in the 13^th century. The Koh-I-Noor diamond was possessed by many countries claimed it belonged to them. The diamond is however embedded in Queen Victoria’s crown.

Features of the Koh-I-Noor

Estimated Value: 12.7 Billion USD

Colour: Colourless

Carat: 105.6 carats

Original Owner: The South Indian Kakatiya Dynasty

Studying ancient jewellery in jewellery design classes reveals a lot of information about ancient jewellery used during that era.

 

 

2. The Sancy Diamond

 

The Sancy Diamond belonged to the Mughals and was discovered before 1570’s. This diamond was considered the first to be cut using symmetrical facets.

A typical diamond would ideally have 58 facets, 33 on the crown and 25 on the pavilion. Learning how each gemstone is given shape by a craftsman is something every student must know. These days jewellery design institutes are laying their focus a lot on practical exposure. Interaction with artisans and craftsmen enhances their learning ability and skills.

Estimated Value: Priceless

Colour: Pale Yellow

Carat: 55.33 carats

Original Owner: Mughals

 

 

3. The Cullinan

 

The Cullinan Diamond is considered to be the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found. The diamond got its name from the chairman of the company Thomas Cullinan. The Cullinan diamond originated at the Premier No.2 mine in Cullinan on January 26, 1905. It was presented to King Edward VII of the United Kingdom on his 66^th birthday.

Estimated Value: 400 Million USD

Colour: White

Carat: 530.2 carats

Original Owner: Premier Diamond Mining Company

 

4. The Hope Diamond

 

The Hope Diamond was discovered in the 17^th century in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is considered as the 4^th most expensive diamond in the world. The Hope diamond was discovered by French gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier.

Jewellery design is vast and a student can specialise in one particular genre of jewellery design.

Estimated Value: $200- $250 Million USD

Colour: Deep Blue

Carat: 45.52 carats

 

 

5. The Century Diamond

 

The Century Diamond was discovered at the Premier Mine on July 17, 1986. The Century Diamond is also known as the De Beers as it was founded by De Beers. The most amazing fact about this diamond is that it took 154 days to hand-cut the diamond and give it the shape of an egg.

Estimated Value: $100 Million USD

Colour: White/Colourless

Carat: 273.85 carats

Diamonds are known to add immense value to any jewellery. So design your favorite jewellery and add a bit of dazzle to it with diamonds.