Facts about the Most Famous Diamonds in the World

Legends follow the life of most famous diamonds. The world's most famous diamonds have led lives rich in history, drama and royal intrigue. However, should you be very lucky and come to fame and fortune, you may also be lucky enough to stumble across one of the Famous Diamonds at an auction and add it to your collection. Diamond, the very word evokes the feeling of luxury, legends, style and beauty. Diamonds have a beauty, brilliance and mystique that no other jewels can equal. A number of large or extraordinarily coloured diamonds have gained fame, both as exquisite examples of the beautiful nature of diamonds, and because of the famous people who wore, bought, and sold them. Here are a notable few.

The Hope Diamond One of the most well known diamonds is the Hope diamond. The Hope diamond was cut from an original 110-carat rough stone. This now 45.52 carat steel blue diamond has been on display at the Smithsonian Institute since 1958. Legends of ill-fortune and curse on the possessor of the Hope Diamond are numerous.

The Kohinoor Diamond The Koh-I-Noor Diamond (meaning Mountain of Light) is now one of many large stones among the British Crown Jewels set currently into a crown first worn by Queen Elizabeth (Later the Queen Mother) in 1936. This diamond weighs 105.60 carats. Like many significant diamonds, the Kohinoor has its share of legends. While it is reputed to bring good luck to female owners, any male who wears or owns it may suffer misfortune or death.

The Dresden Green The Dresden Green is the largest naturally green diamond in the world weighing 40.70 carats. Early references to the Dresden Green date back to the early 1700's. The unique green colour of the diamond is due to natural exposure to radioactive materials. The Dresden Green currently resides in the Dresden State Art Collections Institute in Dresden.

Celebrity Diamonds Undoubtedly the most well-known 'celebrity' diamond is the Taylor-Burton Diamond. A pear-shaped 69.42 carat diamond purchased at auction by Cartier of New York in 1969. The next day actor Richard Burton bought the diamond for his then wife Elizabeth Taylor as a birthday gift. He renamed it the 'Taylor-Burton'. Following their subsequent divorce in 1978, Elizabeth Taylor put the diamond up for sale. At auction it sold for $5,000,000 which was used to build a hospital in Botswana.