Travel guide to the most famous diamonds in the world.
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Diamonds are beautiful, but some are said to be cursed
Almost diamonds are beautiful, But some are said to be cursed. The beautiful gemstones have a way of starting both rumours and conflicts.
Here are the stories behind some of the most legendary cursed diamonds.
The Hope Diamond
The most famous cursed diamond is the Hope Diamond. It is one of the most beautiful diamonds ever seen, and definitely the most famous and most cursed gemstone in history. The diamond is 45.52 carats in the most beautiful blue colour.
The Hope Diamond has been blamed for a long list of tragedies including beatings, stabbings, murder, insanity, and suicide. King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette actually owned the fancy blue diamond during the French Revolution and their beheadings.
The last person to own the diamond, an American society lady named Evalyn McLean was quite a lady, she used to say that she liked to think that the diamond brought her luck, and even put it around the neck of her great Dane dog. But her daughter died of an overdose, and her son died in a car crash, while her husband left her for another woman. When Evalyn died the trustees of her estate sold the Hope Diamond to Harry Winston, who has donated it to the Smithsonian, where it is on display now.
The regent diamond
This beautiful diamond of 140.64 carats is famous for decorating Napoleon’s sword and has a faint blue hue. The diamond originally rose to fame after it was – stolen from India. The slave who stole the Regent from India’s famous Golconda Mine is the origin of the curse. The slave hid the diamond in an open wound on his leg. He then jumped on a ship to Europe in hope of selling the diamond. But the captain of the ship found out that the slave was carrying an extremely valuable gemstone, and he murdered the slave and sold the diamond himself, starting the long history of being handed down through generations of French royalty.
Nowadays, the Regent Diamond can be found at the Louvre, alongside the Sancy Diamond.
The Black Orlov
The Black Orlov, just the name and the colour make me want to know more about it.
It is a 67,50-carat black diamond, and it is also known as the Eye of Brahma diamond. Because it is said that the diamond was stolen from an ancient statue of the Hindu god Brahma. And as with many stories of cursed diamonds, the theft is what began the Black Orlov’s curse.
In 1932 a diamond dealer took the Black Orlov Diamond to New York City to find a buyer for the famous stone. He killed himself by jumping from a skyscraper just a few months later. The diamond got its name from Princess Nadia Orlov, who also killed herself by jumping off a building while in possession of the diamond.
The Black Orlov is now set as a centre stone of a diamond pendant, and the owner swears that the curse is broken.
The Koh-i-Noor
One of the oldest and biggest diamonds in the world, the Koh-i-Noor has a particularly bloody history. The story goes back to the year 3000 b.c. where it was captured and re-captured by Indians, Persians, Afghans and the Sikhs. And eventually, British soldiers stole the 109-carat loose diamond from the Sikhs.
According to folklore, a Hindu description of the diamond warns that “he who owns this diamond will own the world, but will also know all its misfortunes. Only God or woman can wear it with impunity.”
Today the diamond is in the coronation crown of the Queen Mother of England, but it doesn’t rest in peace, as both the Afghans, Irans and the Indians have claimed to be the stone’s rightful owners.
The Taylor-Burton Diamond
Well, any diamond or gemstone Elizabeth Taylor received from a husband could carry “the curse of divorce” and the most famous must be the Taylor-Burton Diamond. The diamond is pear-shaped and weighs 69.42 carat, and is known as the “first million-dollar diamond”, due to its unprecedented value.
After the couple’s second divorce, Elizabeth Taylor auctioned the diamond for $5.000.000, and the proceeds from the auction funded the construction of an orphanage in Botswana. So even though the diamond was not bringing good luck for Elizabeth Taylor, it is now giving joy to lots of children.
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Diamond Dealer Services
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From here, I find and select premium diamonds and gemstones to create custom-made jewelry for clients all over the globe. I love the idea of customized jewelry as I want to help you make exactly the piece of jewelry you desire.
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During the years I have bought some really nice pieces from Trine, both classical in white gold, but also more daring ones, and she has always made exactly what I was dreaming of.
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I just LOVE my new ring from Bylamm diamonds. Thank you Trine
Where do you go to find the perfect diamond engagement ring? I went to Trine, who was recommended to me by common friends. And it was a perfect choice. Trine’s service is quick and I could ask all the questions I wanted. I bought the perfect diamond and had it set in a classic setting with diamonds on the side.
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I contacted Trine because I wanted to find a special piece for my wife’s 50 birthday.
With Trine's friendly and personal service, good taste, and understanding of what we were looking for, Trine presented us with a beautiful collection, helping us and our children find the perfect piece for her special day.
We could not have been happier with Trine and are so thankful for all her kind assistance.
I therefore highly recommend Trine’s service and excellent collection if you are looking for something special for your loved ones.
I have known Trine for many years and have always trusted her good taste in both design and quality. When I was looking for the perfect ring it was an easy choice for me to ask Trine to help me.
Trine has a wonderful way of understanding exactly what I am looking for and guiding me in my choice of both diamonds and design.
I will never buy my jewellery anywhere else.
Diamonds are a girl's best friend. And Trine knows exactly how to set them in the most amazing ways.
During the years I have bought some really nice pieces from Trine, both classical in white gold, but also more daring ones, and she has always made exactly what I was dreaming of.
Trine works with some of the best goldsmiths in Antwerp, and they do an excellent job.
I just LOVE my new ring from Bylamm diamonds. Thank you Trine
Where do you go to find the perfect diamond engagement ring? I went to Trine, who was recommended to me by common friends. And it was a perfect choice. Trine’s service is quick and I could ask all the questions I wanted. I bought the perfect diamond and had it set in a classic setting with diamonds on the side.
My fiancee loves it.
And it is a joy for me to see her wearing it every day
I was so unlucky to lose one of my diamond earrings. But help was near. I contacted Trine at Bylamm Diamonds, who quickly made me a perfect new pair, at an incredible price. I wear them every day and just love them.
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