Jan 1st, 2013
Briolette of India
As we enter 2013, we can only think of one historical diamond worthy our featured diamond of the day – the oldest diamond on record in the known world.
The Briolette of India is a colorless diamond weighing 90.38 carat that was found in India. It is cut in a briolette shape, and is a colorless diamond.
Its history was thought to date from the 12th century, when it was first acquired by Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Queen consort of King Louis VII of France between 1137 and 1152.
This makes the Briolette of India the oldest diamond on record in the world, even older than the famous Koh-i-Noor.
The diamond was in the possession of several famous historical figures such as King Richard the Lion Heart, who carried it with him to the third crusade, and King Henry II of France who presented it to his mistress Diane de Poitiers.
The Briolette of India has disappeared from records for long periods, sometimes even for several centuries, before resurfacing again.
It is currently believed to be in the possession of a European family.
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