What is the Koh-i-Noor?
Q: What is the Koh-i-Noor?
A: The Koh-i-Noor is a large, colourless diamond that was found near Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, India, possibly in the 13th century. The name means Mountain of Light in the Persian language.
Q: How much did it weigh before it was cut for jewellery?
A: Before it was cut for jewellery, it weighed 793 carats (158.6 g).
Q: Who were its first owners?
A: Its first owners were the Kakatiya dynasty.
Q: How did the British acquire possession of the stone?
A: The British acquired possession of the stone after their conquest of Punjab in 1849.
Q: What happened to its appearance when Prince Albert ordered it cut down?
A: When Prince Albert ordered it cut down from 186 carats (37.2 g), it emerged 42 per cent lighter as a dazzling oval-cut brilliant weighing 105.6 carats (21.12 g) and measuring 3.6 cm x 3.2 cm x 1.3 cm.
Q: Who has worn the Koh-i-Noor since arriving in U.K.?
A: Since arriving in U.K., the Koh-i-Noor has only ever been worn by female members of royalty, starting with Queen Victoria and including Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary and Queen Mother Elizabeth II at her coronation in 1902 and state funeral in 2002 respectively .
Q: Where can visitors see this diamond today ?
A: Today , visitors can see this diamond as part of The Crown Jewels of United Kingdom which are held at Tower Of London and seen by millions each year .
