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| Koh-i-nor/Mountain of Light |
"Apparently, this is one of the oldest diamonds known to man. According to the legend, this diamond is more than 2000 years old, from before the birth of Christ. However, a much more documented hypothesis is that it was discovered in the early 1300s. The earliest recorded mention of the diamond is in the memories of Babur (Baburnama), the first Mogul ruler of India. It then passed through many hands and its long, complex history cannot be told here. It suffices to say that the diamond arrived to England in the 19th century and entered the possession of Queen Victoria. Not satisfied with its cutting, which caused it to shine less than it should have, the queen had it recut, which meant a loss of weight of almost 43%. It was then set in the queen’s crown, in frontal position. India did not give up one of its most precious gems easily. The Indian government continued to ask the return of the diamond, with no success."
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