Koh-i-Noor Diamond Facts

                                                                 Interesting facts

The Koh-i-Noor is a diamond that was originally 793 carats when uncut. Once the largest known diamond, it is now a 105.6 metric carats diamond, weighing 21.6 grammes in its most recent cut state.

 In 1852 Albert the Prince Consort had ordered it cut down from 186 carats.

The Koh-i-Noor was mined in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India together with its double, the Daria-i-Noor (“Sea of Light”).The name means “Mountain of Light” in Persian. 

It is believed that the name was first used by Nader Shah who took possession of the diamond in 1739. Prior to this date, the name Kohinoor wasn’t used.

In 1849, the diamond was transferred from the ownership of the Indian Empire to the British East India Company under the Treaty of Lahore and became part of the British Crown Jewels when Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India in 1877. 

The diamond was traditionally known as "Kuh-e nur" in the 19th century after the British conquest of India. The diamond is currently set into the Crown of Queen Elizabeth and is on display at the Tower of London.

There is an alleged curse on the Kohinoor that affects males who wear it (but females are immune). Since being in the possession of Queen Victoria, only women wore the diamond.

It is believed that the famous Darya-ye Noor diamond is the Kohinoor’s double. The Darya-ye Noor is hosted in Iran and has 182 carats.

Both India and Pakistan claim the diamond should be handed by the British back to them.