But, these aren’t just stories, they are open investigations, dedicated recovery missions and extensive inquiries for the most famous and well-known diamonds that the world has ever produced.

While we are lucky that some of these stones are on display for our enjoyment, or even for sale, some have simply vanished and their whereabouts unknown.  All we can do is wait for them to pop up at auction some time.

Famous diamonds always do.

THE DARYA-YE-NOOR DIAMOND

Persian for “Sea of Light” or “Ocean of Light,” the Darya-ye-Noor Diamond is one of the largest diamonds in the world, a rare pale pink weighing approximately 182 carats.  Possibly discovered as early as the 17^th century, the diamond, like the Koh-i-Noor, was mined at the Golconda mines and was immediately taken up as possession by the Mughal emperors.

In 1739, the shah of Iran invaded Northern India, and occupied Delhi.  As payment for returning the crown of India to the Mughal emperor, the diamond was given to the shah, as well as the Koh-i-Noor diamond.  The treasures were carried into Iran, and have remained part of the Iranian Crown Jewels ever since.  The Darya-ye-Noor diamond passed from father to son and so on, inscribed with names and worn in a variety of fashionable styles for the time; a brooch, armband and hat decoration.

The diamond is currently on display at the Central Bank of Iran in Tehran.

Interestingly, the diamond may be part of a larger pink diamond that had been studded in the throne of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.  In 1965, a Canadian team conducting research on the Iranian Crown Jewels found that the French Jeweler, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier in 1642 alluded to a larger size, a “Diamanta Grande Table.”  They diamond is considered to have been cut into two pieces, the larger Darya-ye-Noor and the smaller, 60-carat Noor-ol-Ein, presently studded in a tiara that is also in the Iranian Imperial Collection.

To see the two rare diamonds together must be royally intriguing.

Images and information courtesy of Famous Diamonds and Wikipedia.

Images and information courtesy of Kimberly McDonald, Pomellato and JustJared.

Images and information courtesy of Caleo and The Knot Magazine.

But at the Landmark Sunshine Cinema in New York last week, Alice looked radiant and youthful at the screening of ‘The Raven.’  Exuding a classic, feminine-chic vibe, she added an M.C.L. by Matthew Campbell Laurenza ring to her sky blue 50’s inspired Prada dress.

A flawless look for the English rose!

Images and information courtesy of M.C.L. by Matthew Campbell Laurenza.

With its extremely original design, its 33mm diameter and its exceptional technology, the Colt 33 launched in 2011 has conquered the hearts and wrists of all women eager to combine aesthetic appeal with high performance. Breitling is now introducing new versions featuring a highly distinctive look. The focus is firmly on the range of refined straps in Sahara leather, recognizable by their embossed motif composed of tiny “dunes” along with a palette of fresh and dynamic colors – red, blue, pink, orange and white – echoed on the dials hourmarkers. The entirely polished case creates a striking contrast that highlights the original shape of the bezel with its satin-brushed surface and its stamped numerals. The glowingly feminine touch may be further accentuated by an optional gemset bezel. The three large 6, 9 and 12 o’clock numerals with their exclusive design and their rounded contours exquisitely punctuate the hours on the finely gridwork-pattern dials. On the technical side, this supersporty model displays all the qualities one would expect from a Breitling instrument for professionals, including a SuperQuartzTM movement ten times more accurate than standard quartz and chronometer certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glareproofed on both sides, a screw-locked crown and a sturdy steel case water-resistant to 500 meters (1,650 ft) – a unique feat for a ladies’ watch. The new Colt 33 with its colorful hour-markers is also available on a triple-link bracelet. This is a collection radiating an unmistakable aura of elegance and performance.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Movement: Breitling Caliber 77, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, thermocompensated. SuperQuartzTM. Battery end-of-life indicator. Calendar.

Case: steel. Water-resistant to 500 m (1,660 ft/ 50 bars). Screw-locked crown. Unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel. Sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides. Diameter: 33 mm. Dials: silver with red, blue, pink, orange or white hourmarkers.

Images and information courtesy of Breitling.

But, these aren’t just stories, they are open investigations, dedicated recovery missions and extensive inquiries for the most famous and well-known diamonds that the world has ever produced.

While we are lucky that some of these stones are on display for our enjoyment, or even for sale, some have simply vanished and their whereabouts unknown.  All we can do is wait for them to pop up at auction some time.

Famous diamonds always do.

THE ARCHDUKE JOSEPH DIAMOND

While the year the diamond was found is up for debate, the Archduke Joseph Diamond is a family heirloom of the Hapsburg Family from Hungary and one of the Golconda diamonds, from an ancient Indian diamond mine.  The diamond has a unique color and clarity, measuring 74.65 carats and rated a flawless D cut in a rectangular cushion shape.  The diamond was given its name from Archduke Joseph August (1872-1962), a descendant of the Emperor Leopold II, son of Empress Maria Theresa, who also owned the famous Florentine Diamond, one of the most notable and unique diamonds in history as well as another Hapsburg family heirloom.

Archduke Joseph was part of the Hungarian government and leader of a reform movement that eventually failed, where then he was forced into retirement.   At some point, the diamond was given to his son, Joseph Francis (1895-1957).  In 1933, the diamond was recorded to have been deposited with the Hungarian General Credit Bank in the presence of a state counselor.  Three years later, the diamond was sold to a European banker who kept the diamond in a safe deposit box hiding in France, where it fortunately escaped the attention of the Nazis.

The location of the gem was lost to history until it came up for auction in London in June of 1961.  Thought to be the largest loose fine quality diamond ever to be auctioned in Great Britain, the diamond was withdrawn from the sale when the bidding stopped at £145,000.  In 1993, the diamond came up for sale again at Christie’s in Geneva when it was sold to a jeweler for $6,487,945, and then re-cut from 78.54 carats to its current 76.45-carat weight.

The diamond is set today in a remarkable necklace and is often lent to celebrities for special functions.  Celine Dion wore the necklace on a CBS special in April of 2002 when she made her return performance premiering “A New Day Has Come” and actress Laura Harring wore it to the Oscars that same year.

Here’s hoping another international event will bring the Archduke Joseph Diamond to light again.

Actress Laura Harring wearing the Archduke Joseph to the 2002 Oscars.

The Archduke Joseph Diamond.

Singer Celine Dion wearing the Archduke Joseph during her 2002 special on CBS.

Information courtesy of  Famous Diamonds by Ian Balfour and Diamonds – Famous, Notable and Unique by Lawrence Copeland.  Images courtesy of Famous Diamonds.

Bundchen kicked off her brand ambassador status at the Met Ball this past week, wearing David Yurman jewelry to the gala, fresh from her black and white photo shoot with famed photographer Peter Lindbergh in Malibu, California.

“David Yurman selected Gisele as the campaign’s face because she is the embodiment of natural beauty and style,” the brand said.  We tend to agree, since the supermodel looks flawless in the shots, even with what appears to be minimal make up.

Exclusive behind-the-scenes shots caught Bundchen caught in mid-giggle as her tousled hair is touched up – and she still looks stunning.

Images and information courtesy of David Yurman and People.com.

Designer Paul Morelli creates jewelry that is exceptional and unique, demonstrating both the artistry of design form and the functionality of precious metals and gemstones. Each piece is intended to be worn by a woman who appreciates outstanding craftsmanship and style.

One Day Event. Friday, May 11th.
92 Nassau Street, Princeton. 11:00am to 4:00pm.
To schedule an appointment, please call 609.683.4200.

Designer Paul Morelli creates jewelry that is exceptional and unique, demonstrating both the artistry of design form and the functionality of precious metals and gemstones. Each piece is intended to be worn by a woman who appreciates outstanding craftsmanship and style.

One Day Event. Friday, May 11th.
92 Nassau Street, Princeton. 11:00am to 4:00pm.
To schedule an appointment, please call 609.683.4200.

Explore the latest collection from this admired designer for today only from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Be the first to preview the newest designs and enjoy a personal consultation with a John Hardy stylist.

For more information, or to schedule a private appointment, please call 609.771.9400.

THURSDAY, MAY 10TH. 10:00AM TO 4:00PM.
2542 BRUNSWICK PIKE, LAWRENCEVILLE.