March

The Koh-i-Noor diamond depicted in 1851. During the time of the Sikh Empire of Maharajah Ranjit Singh (1780 – 1839), it was worn around the arm and was considered the most expensive diamond in the world. Composed of Gold, enamel, rock crystal, glass, rubies, pearls and silk.

HISTORY

The history of the Koh-i-Noor or 'Mountain of Light' diamond is steeped in myth and anecdote, wars and political intrigue. From the Mughal, Afghan, Sikh and British Empires the diamond still evokes deep emotions.

Maharajah Ranjit Singh wore the diamond on state occasions. The Punjab was annexed in 1849, and as part of the Treaty of Lahore in the same year, the Sikh sovereign Maharajah Duleep Singh (1838 – 1893), then still a child, was deposed and made to present the diamond to the East India Company. It was received by Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace in 1850.

It was showcased at the Great Exhibition of Crystal Palace in 1851 where it received muted reviews. As a result, the diamond was recut by Garrads. It adorned the front of Queen Elizabeth II's Mother's Crown, as of 2022 it is part of the Queen Camilla's collection of Jewels and can be seen at the Tower of London.

The 3D Version was first exhibited at the exhibition: Anglo Sikh Wars: Battles, Treaties and Relics at Newarke Houses Museum, Leicester, 2017.