Fact or Fiction
FAQ – Diamond History, Facts, and Misconceptions
Why do myths overshadow the history of famous diamonds?
The histories of the world’s most famous diamonds are often clouded by myths and legends. While there’s a lot of information available online, much of it is inaccurate, making it hard to separate fact from fiction.
Why is it so hard to know what really happened in diamond history?
For many of the world’s most famous diamonds, proving the exact historical events is extremely difficult. Records are often incomplete or unclear, and errors have spread rapidly online, making accurate research more challenging than ever.
Can technical details about historic diamonds be trusted?
While the histories of diamonds may be uncertain, technical details—such as size, shape, weight, facet pattern, and angles—can be scientifically verified (see our research method).
Why is technical misinformation still common?
What are some common technical fictions about famous diamonds?
From the Hope to the Cullinan, historic diamonds with royal significance are often misrepresented online. Some common fictions include:
● Fiction: The Tavernier Blue (see page) weighs about 110 carats.
● Fiction: The Hope (see page) weighs 44.5 carats.
● Fiction: The Spoonmaker (see page) is the world’s third largest diamond.
● Fiction: The Cullinan I (see page) is 53.2 mm long.
Why are there so many errors in diamond measurements?
Measurement errors often arise from historical differences in carat definitions. For example:
● An old carat (used before about 1880) equals 0.2053 grams.
● A new carat equals 0.2 grams.
Did carat standards differ across regions?
How do you ensure accuracy on this site?
Can visitors contribute corrections or research?
Yes. If you disagree with a conclusion, we invite you to contact us. If corrections are needed, we’ll gladly update the site with proper acknowledgement to the contributor.
“And no—the Cullinan I is NOT the world’s largest diamond…”