The Kohinoor Diamond

The Kohinoor Diamond is one of the most famous diamonds in the world. It is also one of the oldest. It was discovered in the late 13th or 14th century, and originally belonged to the Delhi Sultanate of India, which was at that time, led by Sultan Allaudin Khilji.

The Kohinoor Diamond

There is also a bit of superstition associated with the Kohinoor diamond. While the Koh-i-noor diamond is held to bring misfortune or death to any man who wears or owns it, it is supposed to bring good luck to any woman who does the same.

The Diamond in the British Crown Jewels

In the fifteenth century, the Kohinoor Diamond passed into the hands of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Dynasty of emperors. During this period, the diamond was known as the Babarnama diamond. The Kohinoor diamond continued to be in the ownership of the Mughal emperors, until it was grabbed by Nadir Shah, an invader from Persia.

The Babarnama diamond was renamed the Kohinoor Diamond by Nadir Shah, who took the diamond from Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah, after he captured Delhi and Agra in 1739. Kohinoor means ‘mountain of light’. Check out this video:

In 1851, the Kohinoor Diamond was surrendered by Emperor Ranjit Singh, its last owner, to Queen Victoria of Britain. This was after Emperor Ranjit Singh lost a battle against the mighty British forces in India. It was later added to the British Crown Jewels.

The Koh-i-noor Diamond originally weighed a huge 186 carats. It was cut and polished down to the size of 108.93 carats, when it was made a part of the British crown jewels.

The DeBeers Diamond

The DeBeers diamond is a light yellow diamond, which was discovered in the famous De Beers mines of South Africa in March 1888. As a raw uncut diamond, the DeBeers diamond weighed a massive 428.5 carats.

Light-yellow DeBeers diamond

It was taken for cutting to Amsterdam (the diamond capital), and lost about 200 carats during the cutting stage, to weigh 234 carats. Today, the DeBeers diamond is the world’s seventh-largest cut diamond. Almost immediately after it was cut, the DeBeers diamond was purchased by the Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh, who was known for his extravagant lifestyle.

After buying the DeBeers diamond, the Maharaja of Patiala asked renowned jeweller Cartier to set it in a majestic piece of jewellery, befitting of a Maharaja. In 1928, Cartier set the DeBeers diamond in a beautiful ceremonial necklace for the Maharaja of Patiala. This necklace had 2,930 diamonds, weighing a total of 962.25 carats. It later began to be known as the Patiala necklace.

Photo of the restored Patiala Necklace, with a replica of the yellow DeBeers diamond

When India gained Independence from British colonial rule in 1947, the Patiala necklace simply disappeared. It is believed that one of the family members or friends of the Maharaja, took the Patiala necklace with its many jewels, including the light yellow DeBeers diamond, and sold it individually. It was later found in a pawn shop with most of its jewels missing, and was bought by Cartier, who restored it with similar-looking precious stones.

The De Beers diamond was not heard of again, until May 1982, when it was suddenly put up for sale at a Sotheby's auction in Geneva, Switzerland. Here, it was purchased for an astounding $3.16 million.

Other than being the seventh-largest faceted diamond in the globe, the DeBeers diamond is also the second largest faceted yellow diamond, and the biggest yellow diamond in a cushion-cut shape.

What do you think of the light-yellow DeBeers diamond?

Other Large Diamonds Of The World:

• The Centenary Diamond
• The Cullinan I Diamond
• The Mouawad Jubillee Diamond
• The Millenium Star Diamond
• The Mouawad Magic Diamond
• Other Famous Diamonds and Diamond-Studded Items

Most Expensive Diamond Engagement Rings

Auction house Christie’s displayed these beautiful rings at its Magnificent Jewels auction in December 2012. While not all of these rings are diamond rings, they all have some diamonds on them and can be used as engagement rings. Their high cost ensures that the giver intends a lifetime commitment.

Graff diamond engagement ring

Diamond Ring by Graff: This ring is estimated to fetch around $7,000,000 - $10,000,000 at the Christie’s auction. It was made by Graff Diamonds and has a sparkling 50.01 carat rectangular-cut diamond, with two smaller baguette-cut diamonds, on either side. The Graff diamond ring is made from platinum.

Three-stone emerald and diamond engagement ring

Three-Stone Emerald Ring: This engagement ring is estimated to be sold for about $475,000 - $550,000. This emerald ring has an 8.51 carat cushion-cut emerald in the centre, with two small-sized cushion-cut emeralds on either side. These emeralds are held with single-cut diamond shoulders, while the ring is made from platinum.

Yellow and white diamond engagement ring

Coloured Diamond Ring: Christie’s believes this diamond engagement ring will collect around $1,800,000 - $2,500,000. This coloured diamond ring has a stylish rectangular-cut yellow diamond weighing 30.03 carats in the centre, with two sparkling trapeze-cut diamonds on either side. The diamonds are mounted in platinum and 18k gold.

What do you think of these extremely expensive diamond engagement rings? Which of these diamond rings do you like the most?

From: Christie's

Bvlgari Astrale Jewel Watches For Women

Bvlgari, the famous Roman luxury jewellery brand, has launched two new Bulgari Astrale Jewel watches for women with multi-coloured jewels and stones. The Astrale Collection of Bvlgari watches were launched in 2004, and have a constellation of light and colours, with round-shaped elements, and a diamond-studded pave setting.

In 2012, Bvlgari unveiled two multi-coloured versions of their Astrale Jewel watches for women, which capture the magnetic charm of a starlit sky. Take a look at their photos below:

2012 Bvlgari Astrale watch with white gold case and white dial

The first Bulgari Astrale watch with jewels has a white dial with an 18 karat white-gold case. It is set with round brilliantly-cut diamonds and multi-coloured gemstones. The strap of this luxury be-jewelled watch is made from dark-grey satin with an 18kt white-gold folding buckle with three blades.

2012 Bvlgari Astrale watch with yellow gold case and black dial

The second Bvlgari Astrale watch for women has a black dial with an 18 karat yellow-gold case. Like the other ladies watch, it is set with sparkling round brilliantly-cut diamonds and coloured jewels. It has a technological satin strap with an 18 carat yellow-gold folding buckle with three blades.

Numerous celebrities own Bvlgari watches, including some be-jewelled luxury Astrale watches. These Hollywood celebrities include Celine Dion, Heather Mills, Julianne Moore, Christina Ricci and even U2’s Bono.

What do you think of these luxury gold, diamond and jewel Bulgari watches for women? Would you buy one for your loved ones this Christmas?

Chopard’s Disney Princess Collection Of Necklaces

If you’ve always been fascinated with Disney’s Princesses, then this Christmas season, check out these necklaces inspired by them. Chopard, the distinguished jewelry maker, has launched a wonderful Haute Joaillerie jewelry collection, with elegant but playful necklace designs, based on various Disney princess characters.

Chopard necklace with coloured stones based on Belle

This jewelry collection includes ten jewelry pieces, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets and hairpieces, based on Disney Princess characters like Cinderella, Ariel, Mulan and Belle. Chopard has worked with luxury goods store ‘Harrods’ and Disney, to bring out this collection of Disney jewelry, in time for Christmas and the Holiday season.

Chopard necklace with blue stones based on Tiana

This collection of Disney Princess jewelry by Chopard, will be available at Harrods this Christmas. For 2012, Harrod’s has planned a festive Christmas celebration with a Disney-theme, and these Chopard jewellery items blend well with the theme.

Disney Characters And The Chopard Jewelry They Inspired

• Tiana: This Disney character inspired a necklace with blue stones, which looks like the floating flowers, on which Princess Tiana and her Frog Prince floated upon. 
• Sleeping Beauty: This Disney princess was the inspiration behind a pair of earrings that shows two birds carrying flowers, similar to the birds in the Sleeping Beauty story. 
• Rapunzel: This collection includes a golden colour necklace that reflects the long, cascading golden hair of Rapunzel, and a hairpiece clip in pink stones. 
• Belle: This collection consists of a sparkling necklace that seems to be inspired by the yellow dress, worn by Belle (from Beauty and the Beast), and another necklace with coloured stones all around. 
• Evil Queen in Snow White: This Disney character inspired a ring with apple-like rubies, similar to the poisoned apple the Evil Queen served to Snow White.

Chopard earrings based on Sleeping Beauty

What do you think of these Disney character inspired jewelry pieces by Chopard? Which is your favourite Disney Princess? Would you like this as a Christmas gift?

Related Articles You May Like

• Designer Christmas Stockings
• Gold Holiday Cards
• Luxury Christmas Crackers
• Pure-Gold Disney Christmas Tree
• Other Gold Items

The Queen of Holland Diamond – Blue Diamond

The Queen of Holland Diamond is the 11th largest diamond in the world. There is not much information about where this diamond originally came from, though some believe that it was mined in the famous Golconda mines of India, which has also yielded some of the biggest diamonds in the world.

Well, the Queen of Holland diamond was first noticed in Amsterdam in 1902, where it was talked about a lot. Amsterdam is a famous diamond cutting centre, and diamond cutters instinctively knew that this diamond was a prized item. The large diamond was named after Queen Wilhelmina, the then Queen of Holland.

The Blue-Tinted Queen of Holland Diamond

The Queen of Holland diamond weighs 135.92 carats, and has a high quality, internal purity and a D-colour. The diamond also has a slight blue tint, which is the main reason why diamond experts believe that the diamond must have come from India's Golconda mines, from which the famous Koh-i-noor diamond also originated.

The blue-tinted diamond was bought by the Maharaja of Navanagar, Kumar Ranjitsinghji Vibhaji, who was also a famous cricketer. The Maharaja entrusted the Queen of Holland diamond to Cartier, with the responsibility of placing it in a beautiful piece of jewellery. Cartier in turn, placed the diamond as the centrepiece of a pendant, in an awesome necklace.

The Maharaja of Navnagar owned the Queen of Holland diamond till 1960, when Cartier purchased it from him. The diamond was later bought by Willaim Goldberg, who in turn sold it to Robert Mouawad, his partner. Goldberg pared the diamond from its original 136.25 carat weight to its current weight of 135.92 carats, before selling it. Robert Mouawad, a leading diamond investor, bought the Queen of Holland diamond for $7 million.

Other Large Diamonds Of The World:

• The Centenary Diamond
• The Cullinan I Diamond
• The Mouawad Jubillee Diamond
• The DeBeers Diamond
• The Millenium Star Diamond
• The Mouawad Magic Diamond
• Other Famous Diamonds and Diamond-Studded Items

CBrace Cufflinks by Shedrick Royale Perro

If you are looking for an elegant way to fasten French cuff button-holes, then Shedrick Royale Perro’s ‘CBrace’ cuff embellishment is for you. According to Perro, a leading accessory designer, regular cufflinks pinch the cuffs, resulting in an undefined and somewhat shoddy edge. Hence, he created the CBrace, which is the only ‘edge-defining cuff’ embellishment, and a stylish alternative to regular cufflinks.

Types of CBrace Cufflinks by S.Royale

The diamond CBrace cuff embellishments created by S.Royale are available in two designs:

• A 24 carat diamond CBrace in platinum: This jewelled cufflink accessory has been embellished with 65 VVS1 round brilliant diamonds, which add up to 130 diamonds per pair. Each pair of platinum CBrace cufflinks are priced at a stupendous US $2,499,999. This design is also available in Sterling Silver. 
• A 24 carat diamond CBrace in gold: This pair of cufflinks also has 65 VVS1 round brilliant diamonds embedded in each piece, which add up to 130 diamonds per pair. These diamonds are set in 18K gold. The gold CBrace cufflink is half a million dollars cheaper than the platinum CBrace cuff embellishment, and is priced at a slightly more affordable $1,999,999.

Cufflinks were first used to fasten the button holes of French cuffs in the early 16th century, and became a part of formal business attire in the next century. The CBrace cufflinks of inventor-designer Shedrick Royale Perro have brought about a new trend in the fashion and jewellery sector. Mainly targeting the ultra-rich worldwide, the CBrace cuff accessory can be effortlessly placed on the cuffs using three simple notions. In fact, many people say that they are easier to fasten than regular cuff links.

The CBrace cuff embellishments by S. Royale are primarily being manufactured from four materials: platinum, gold, sterling silver and wood. They are also available in four designs: original, triangle, round and diamond. The diamond and platinum CBraces are the most expensive, while the original plain CBrace costs only $3,500. If you are a millionaire who owns expensive suits and shirts, then you should certainly consider buying one of these.

Diamond iPhone Cases by Anita Mai Tan

Celebrated jewellery designer Anita Mai Tan has designed two beautiful iPhone cases, both encrusted with diamonds. These are the Spider iPhone case and the Dragon iPhone case. Each diamond iPhone case is priced at US $880,000, and can also be worn as a necklace.

Anita Mai Tan works for Al-Gems Global Design House, and has been designing exclusive pieces of jewellery for the world’s royalty and millionaires, for a number of years. The Dragon and Spider iPhone cases created by her were inspired by poetry and nature, and took about 16 long months to make.

Anita Mai Tan’s Dragon iPhone case is made from 18 carat gold, and is embedded with 2,200 diamonds, which in total weighs 32 carats. Some of these diamonds are colourless, while some are coloured diamonds in shades of brown, cognac and champagne.

 While designing this case, Anita Mai Tan has used numerology to enhance the luck factor of the wearer. While 22 symbolises ‘being easy’, 32 means ‘born lucky’. When you combine both, it adds up to 9, which symbolises leadership and integration. The dragon used in the design is meant to symbolise life, growth and the universe, plus this year is also the Chinese year of the dragon.

Anita Mai Tan’s Spider iPhone case is also made from 18 carat gold, and is embedded with 2,800 diamonds, which weigh 38 carats in total. Some of these diamonds are colourless, while some are black in colour. There are numerological meanings behind the numbers used in this case too: while 28 means ‘easy gaining wealth’, 38 symbolises ‘born wealth’.

Anita Mai Tan’s Diamond Dragon and Spider iPhone cases will be auctioned in autumn 2012, by Magnetic Communication Inc. at the famous Sparkle Event. The proceeds from the sale of these exclusive iPhone cases will be used to help NFTE, a charitable organisation that works for the education of youth with low incomes.

Anita Mai Tan is one of the few Asian-born jewellery designers to have one of her creations, namely ‘The Eye’, displayed at the US Museum of GIA, as part of their signature collection. In the past, Tan was in the news for designing the million dollar Heaven Gold Pen, which is one of the most costly pens in the world, and an exclusive pen for women.

Yellow Diamond Ring Sold For $623,000

A yellow diamond ring joined the list of the most expensive diamond rings in the world, when it was sold for US $623,000 at the Christie’s Paris Jewels Sale held in Paris on 6th June 2012. Yellow diamonds are very rare, and it is this rarity which ensures that they garner top prices in jewellery auctions held across the world.

This yellow diamond is a round 26.10 carat gem, which is brilliantly cut and throws light in amazing sparkles. Picked up by an unnamed buyer, it is set in a simple platinum ring, and could make a great gift for a millionaire’s wife or girlfriend.

With the yellow diamond ring becoming a top seller at the Christie’s Paris Jewels Auction, coloured diamonds have returned to the spotlight, and are expected to collect higher prices at jewellery sales in the future.

Have you ever owned a yellow diamond ring? Do you plan on buying one in the future?

Read about other pink diamonds:

• Martian Pink Diamond
• Argyle Pink Jubilee Diamond
• Birks Bubble-Gum Pink Diamond
• Yellow Diamond Ring

Jewellery Collection for Pet Owners by Hellmuth

German jewellery manufacturer Hellmuth has announced the launch of ‘Hellmuth Hund’, a range of finely crafted jewellery pieces for dog lovers. Hellmuth has been in the jewelry design market for quite some time now, and had previously gained wide attention for its range of uber-masculine jewellery pieces with crocodile motifs.

This celebrated German brand of diamond and silver jewelry has now brought a smile to the faces of all pet loving jewellery enthusiasts, with the launch of its latest jewellery line. Named Hellmuth Hund (which means ‘dog’ in German’), this jewellery range consists of a line of diamond embellished charms, which feature 23 different American Kennel dog breeds.

While Hellmuth is not the first jewellery brand that has used pets as a theme for a jewelry collection, its dog-themed jewellery pieces are certainly unique. Previously, animal-themed jewellery has been seen in some of the most costly ranges of jewelry, brought out by leading jewellery designers. One of the more famous of these is the animal-themed jewelry pieces recently unveiled by Meche. This included a unique diamond dog pendant, priced at $16,000, which featured diamonds in the shape of a dog’s head.

With the Hellmuth Hund collection, German jewellery designer Hellmuth carries the jewellery-for-pet-lovers tradition further.

Hellmuth Hund Jewellery Collection For Dog Lovers

The Hellmuth Hund charms are being sold in three different sizes and metal variations. These are:

• The pieces with a body of 14 carat solid gold, each having Hellmuth’s signature crocodile patterns on the back. 
• The charms made from sterling silver, each studded with sparkling white diamonds. 
• The jewelry pieces done in plain sterling silver, each carefully embellished with icy diamonds. 

According to sources, these jewellery pieces from Hellmuth are expected to be priced from US $546 to $7,998.

If you are unable to find your prized dog among the 23 American Kennel breeds depicted in the Hellmuth Hund collection, you can ask Hellmuth to design a customised charm for you. All that you have to do is give the jewellery designer a high-resolution photograph of your dog, and the company will use it to craft a custom piece of jewellery. The best thing about having a customised charm is that you can tell Hellmuth to switch the diamonds for any other precious or semi-precious stones.

According to Gert Hellmuth, the President of Hellmuth, the Hellmuth Hund range of jewellery is meant for pet lovers across the world, who would like to be reminded of their four-legged friends, at every moment.

Birks Bubble-Gum Pink Diamond Ring

The rarity of coloured diamonds has made them extremely popular with diamond collectors and investors, alike. One of the latest colored diamonds to attract public attention is an exquisite bubble-gum pink diamond worth $2.5 million. This diamond will make its debut public appearance at the Birks Jewellery Store in the city of Edmonton, in Canada. This pink diamond is the anchor exhibit of a sparkling collection of 45 precious stones and jewellery pieces.

This collection of precious stones will be making its way to select stores all across Canada, until a suitable customer is found. If you want to catch a glimpse of the bubble-gum pink diamond, you’ll have to place a booking in advance. According to sources at Birks, many billionaire investors have already booked appointments to view the pink diamond, and may even purchase it, if it meets their expectations.

Birks Bubble-Gum Diamond Ring

Compared to other diamonds, the Birks Bubble-Gum Pink Diamond has distinctive pink and purple hues, which when combined, generates an extremely rare shade of bubble-gum pink. The 10-carat diamond is quite big in size, and was carefully cut and polished from a 21.35 carat stone, harvested from a mine in Africa. After this, the Bubble-Gum Pink Diamond was set in a beautiful platinum ring.

According to a Birks official, the Bubble-Gum Pink Diamond ring has been freshly created in the jeweller’s workshops. The source claimed that the pink gem had almost never been used by its previous owner, and is more of a collector’s piece. The giant ring is not a piece of jewelry that one could wear everyday, and it is expected that it would be purchased only by a jewelry collector, who has in-depth knowledge about the value of diamonds.

About Pink Diamonds

Most of the pink diamonds available in the market have been mined in Australia’s Argyle mine. As a matter of fact, officials recently discovered a 12.76 carat rock, right there. Pink diamonds are extremely rare. Here’s a fact to prove it: Christie’s (the famous auction house), is believed to have auctioned only a few pink diamond over 10 carats, in the past three hundred years.

However, the Bubble-Gum Pink Diamond in the platinum ring is not the first pink diamond to garner public attention in Canada. Two years ago, a pink diamond was sold at the Circa Auctions in Toronto for a staggering $2.3 million. This price has been recorded as the highest price ever paid for a precious stone in Canada, ever!

Read about other pink diamonds:

• Martian Pink Diamond
• Argyle Pink Jubilee Diamond
• Birks Bubble-Gum Pink Diamond
• Yellow Diamond Ring

One Million Euro Diamond Bustier

Orra unveiled a beautiful bustier set with thousands of glittering Belgian diamonds at a function in Belgium.


Here is Anjali Lavanya, the winner of the Hunt for the Kingfisher wearing the one million Euro diamond bustier with a traditional Indian lehenga. This bustier was handcrafted by a team of stylists, designers and craftsmen from Orra jewellery. It reportedly took around six months to create.

Evening Star Necklace

The Evening Star necklace is one of the most expensive necklaces in the world. The Evening Star alone is estimated to cost between $3.6 million to $5.5 million. The name of the necklace comes from the owner's habit of wearing the jewel to evening gala parties. It is mounted in a platinum pendant.

The Evening Star jewel hangs from a diamond necklace that consists of 68 graduated pear-shaped diamonds. This necklace has an estimated value of $400,000 to $600,000.


The Evening Star necklace was the highlight of Christie's Magnificent Jewels from a Distinguished Private Collector auction. This necklace features the Evening Star diamond, a pear shaped 39 carat, D colour Golconda diamond. This stone is a type IIa diamond found in India's famous ancient Golconda mines.

The main stone in the Evening Star necklace is certified to be of VVS1 clarity and is accompanied by a working diagram indicating that the clarity may be potentially internally flawless. It was bought for 5.4 million dollars by a private collector.