A Visual History of Famous Diamonds and Pearls
Jewelry is often as much about the story behind the piece as it is its looks. And throughout history, various gems and trinkets have gained fame or notoriety because of their attachment with a particularly iconic owner, or the events that they were involved in.
With that in mind, let’s take a trip back in time and talk about some of the best-known and most beloved diamonds and pearls ever turned into jewelry, and what makes them special.
The ‘Hope’ Diamond: A Tale of Woe and Wealth
Image Source: Wikimedia
Few pieces of jewelry can match the fame, mystery and wealth that surrounds the Hope Diamond. This 45-carat deep blue diamond is said to be cursed, with a history stretching back over four centuries.
It was first in India, before being sold in 1666 to a French merchant called Jean Baptiste Tavernier, who then passed it on to King Louis XIV of France, where it became part of his crown jewels.
Its curse began when it was stolen during the French Revolution, only to resurface years later in London, where its legend solidified.
The jewel has been owned by some highly influential people, including Marie Antoinette and Harry Winston, who donated it for display at Washington D.C.’s Smithsonian National Museum Of Natural History, where visitors from all around come just to see this incredible gem up close.
The incredible size and elaborate setting of the Hope Diamond, as well as its history, means that it is both out of the price range for the average person, as well as being a bit too gaudy for many tastes.
Thankfully with minimalist and elegant engagement rings available from VRAI, which use lab-grown diamonds as opposed to mined gems like the one we’ve just discussed, you don’t have to be a king to snap up a big sparkly ring.
Elizabeth Taylor’s La Peregrina Pearl: Royalty at its Best
Image Source: Wikimedia
The world of jewelry is full of incredible stories, but not many are as romantic and beautiful as that of Elizabeth Taylor’s famous pearl necklace.
The pear-shaped ‘La Peregrina’ was originally discovered in the Gulf Coast by a slave in 1513 and presented to King Philip II Of Spain.
Over the years it changed hands from royalty to celebrities, until it eventually found itself around Elizabeth Taylor’s neck, where it stayed for over five decades. Pearls are a classy addition to any outfit, as Liz proved time and again!
Described by many experts as one of the most perfect natural pearls ever seen, this unique jewel has changed hands for over $11 million due to its impeccable shape, size (over 200 grains) and color (pinkish white). It truly is an example fit only for royalty, or at least for cinematic icons.
The Cullinan Diamond: The Largest Ever Found
Image Source: Wikimedia
In 1905, the world was abuzz when a colossal diamond weighing 3106 carats was discovered in South Africa by Frederick Wells.
The diamond would later be named after its owner, Sir Thomas Cullinan, and was eventually presented to King Edward VII of England as part of his coronation gift. But instead of leaving it as a single piece, jewelers crafted the rock into smaller diamonds, all with different shapes and sizes.
Of the largest pieces to be cut, three are now set in British Crown Jewels, while four others can be found at Tower Of London. This impressive gem is still considered one of the largest diamonds ever mined, and truly showcases how powerful nature can be.
The Vladimir Tiara: A Versatile Classic
Image Source: Wikimedia
The Grand Duchess Vladimir tiara is one of the most iconic pieces of jewelry ever made and an example of true craftsmanship.
Commissioned by Tsar Alexander III for his wife Maria Feodorovna in 1888, this diamond-encrusted headpiece was designed to be a replica of the Russian Imperial Crown jewels.
While it began life in the Russian royal family, it ended up across the sea in the UK, where it became a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II.
Perhaps most impressive is the fact that after being smuggled from the East into the West, it was actually in need of some serious renovations, and at the time the decision was made to ensure the design was adaptable. So as well as the pearls which were originally adorning the Vladimir Tiara, in its latest guise it is possible to switch these out for emeralds instead. Now that really isn’t something you see every day, especially not with immensely valuable jewelry.
Fabergé Eggs: An Imperial Tradition Built on Pearls and Jewels
Image Source: Wikipedia
The Fabergé eggs, crafted by Peter Carl Fabergé, are perhaps some of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry ever made.
Once again it was the Tsars of Russia who commissioned these pieces, with an impressive 52 so-called Imperial eggs made during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These intricately designed, egg-shaped objects were crafted from precious metals, rare gems and of course pearls.
Each one was unique in its design, with some featuring surprise items inside such as diamond tiaras or miniature carriages.
The tradition carried on until 1917, when it ended with the Russian Revolution, leaving us to admire these incredible works of art through museum displays and photographs. Truly a masterful example of imperial luxury, and one that’s unlikely to be replicated ever again.
Koh-I-Noor: India to England, A Legacy Through Time
Image Source: Wikipedia
The Koh-I-Noor diamond is one of the most famous gems in history, and its legacy stretches back centuries.
It was first discovered in 13th century India, before being passed down through generations of Mughal emperors, until eventually ending up as part of Queen Victoria’s crown jewels.
The diamond has had a tumultuous journey over the years, with many claiming ownership, including Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who briefly owned it before gifting it to British East India Company.
In 1851, Queen Victoria declared that the gem would remain part of the royal collection, where it remains today.
Wrapping Up
While all of these incredible tales of famous diamonds and pearls might make it sound like such stories and adventures are only for the rich and famous, we can make our own histories and narratives just by buying, wearing and enjoying jewelry in our own way.
