The jewel that has belonged to the British crown since colonial times is already claimed by India. However, although it was not displayed during the coronation of Charles III, it has not yet been returned.
The coronation of King Carlos III was full of luxurious jewelry and decorations. However, not one diamond in particular was present at the ceremony.
Gem has a complicated past. This gemstone is a diamond, and it is one of the largest and oldest cut diamonds in the world. It is called Koh Noor and the first British monarch to own it was Queen Victoria in 1849.
Koh-i-Noor is the centerpiece of the tiara of Queen Maria, wife of King George V, and this tiara was used by Camilla, during a ceremony on Saturday. However, Al Masa was notoriously absent from the ceremony. This is because this piece is controversial, as India was demanding its return.
Originally, Koh-i-Noor belonged to the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, Ranjit Singh. The diamond, which at that time weighed 793 carats before Victoria’s husband reduced it to 106, finally came to the attention of East India Company officials in 1832. The diamond was later taken from Duleep Singh, a descendant of the first Maharaja, and given to Queen Victoria.
See the gems used in the coronation:
Graphics: Victor Magano
William Shakespeare is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, history, and current affairs. With a keen eye for storytelling and analysis, he produces informative articles that help readers understand the people, ideas, and events influencing modern life.
