Jewelry has been an influential part of art and culture for centuries, dating back to over 116,000 years ago. Across the globe, jewelry is a symbol of royalty, class and personal expression that still exists to this day. In this article, we will explore some of the most remarkable jewelry pieces throughout history.
Each item has gained its own fame and widespread recognition in the industry, serving as inspiration for future collections and styles. As luxury jewelry continues to evolve, the most famous jewelry in history will always serve as the cornerstone of modern design. Keep reading to learn about the most interesting pieces of jewelry in history!
The Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond was discovered in the 17th century from the Kollur Mine in Guntur, India. Today, it’s a famous 45.52-carat diamond of deep blue color, created from trace amounts of Boron. The stone itself is known as one of the Golconda diamonds, playing an influential role in our understanding of diamond formation and rarity.
While the Hope Diamond currently resides in the Smithsonian museum in Washington D.C, it was believed to have cursed origins. It’s said that the diamond was stolen from an Indian idol, making its way through various royal owners before reaching Louis XVI. After his passing, the Hope Diamond came to the United States, now serving as a symbol of history and mythology.
The Koh-I-Noor Diamond
The Koh-I-Noor Diamond is the gem that resided on the crown of Queen Elizabeth, dating back 5,000 years. The diamond is now around 109 carats, although experts believe it was one of around 793 carats. This royal diamond spent centuries traveling across the world before landing in the hands of the royal family, specifically Queen Victoria. Ever since then, it has become a renowned centerpiece of the Queen Mother’s crown.
The Star of India Sapphire
The Star of India gem is one of the largest star sapphires in the world. It is a 563- carat blue sapphire with a star design on both sides of the stone. Over 2 billion years ago, this precious stone was mined in Sri Lanka by miners that were enthralled by the stone's one-of-a-kind design and milky blue-gray color. The unique color is said to be created from trace amounts of the mineral rutile. Today, the gem resides in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
The Dresden Green
The Dresden Green stone has the appearance of an emerald, although it is actually a diamond. The green diamond is around 41 carats, known as the largest green diamond in the entire world. Its known origins date back to the 18th century when Friedrich Augustus I of Saxony first purchased the diamond. The public can see this dazzling stone by visiting Dresden Castle in Germany. Today, hundreds of people travel to see the unparalleled beauty and rarity of The Dresden Green.
History has revealed the true luxury and social esteem of fine jewelry pieces. Today, jewelry can feel like a replaceable accessory to many people, however, it’s truly an integral piece of our global society. Every piece of jewelry has its own unique story, location, and date of discovery. Anyone that has the opportunity to see these pieces on display will truly walk away with a newfound respect for fine, one-of-a-kind gems.
