Hello, Jewelry Lovers,

So, here we are.  In my past three entries, we have discovered 8 of the most precious jewels on earth.  Today is the day we put an end to our series on the “Most Famous Diamonds in the World”.  For the fourth and final part, we will discuss The Sancy, The Darya-e-Noor, and The Dresden Green.

The Sancy

The Sancy has a rich history, just like its “Little Brother”, the Beau Sancy (covered in a previous article about its sale).  Weighing 55.23 carats and cut in a pair shape, legend has it that the Sancy was lost in 1476 by Charles the Bold.  Sold by the Swiss soldier (who found it) for the modest sum of one florin, the Sancy, after passing through the hands of a number of owners, found itself in the collection of the King of Portugal in 1489.  Sold for 70,000 pounds to Nicolas Harlay of Sancy, future superintendent of Henry IV’s finances, it would be borrowed by Henry III in 1570, and, sold in London in 1604 to the King of England, James I.  In 1657, The Sancy returned to France when Henrietta-Maria of France, Queen of England, sold it to Cardinal Mazarin.  4 years later it was bequeathed, along with 18 other diamonds, to Louis XIV.  It would then be set in the crown of Louis XV and Louis XVI, used as jewelry by Marie Antoinette…and then vanish into thin air during the French Revolution.

Sold in 1828 for 100,000 francs to the Russian prince, Demidov, The Sancy would later continue on its journey, finishing in the hands of William Waldorf Astor and his wife, who died in 1964.  In 1979, the Louvre bought the diamond for 1 million francs (18,000 CAD).  It can now be found in a special room in the museum that is dedicated to the jewels of the French crown.

Darya-e- Noor

Majestic.  This is the word that would most accurately describe this 182 carat pink diamond that has made its home among the crown jewels of Iran.  The Darya-e-Noor is the largest uncut diamond in the world.  Discovered in India and originally property of Mughol emperors, this diamond was brought to Iran by Nader Shah in 1739, after having invaded India.  It would pass down through the hands of Persian kings and influential people in the kingdom.

The Dresden Green

This 40.7 carat stone is the largest naturally green diamond ever discovered.  The origin of its name is taken from the capital of Saxony (Region of Germany) where it has been on display for over 200 years …and, of course, from its unique green shade.

The Dresden Green’s origin is unclear, however, it seems to have been found in Golconda, India in 1726 and was immediately sent to London to be cut and then sold.  Before landing in the Museum of Dresden, it was the property of the King of Poland, Frederick-Augustus II.

And with that, our series on the most famous diamonds in the world concludes.

These mysterious, iconic, cursed, and historical jewels will continue to be the fodder for dreams for generations to come….Diamonds are forever, right?