Nur-al-Ain
Specifications
| Weight | Approx. 60 carats |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 30 x 25.81 x 11 mm (approx.) |
| Color | Pale Pink* |
| Weight of Rough | Cut from the Great Table |
| Origin | Great Table |
| Date Found | Cut in the early 1800’s |
| Current Location | Bank Markazi, Tehran, Iran; Iranian Crown Jewels |
*Color in photographs varies due to lighting conditions.
Details
The Forgotten Fragment: A Legendary Diamond with Royal Ties and an Unfinished Story
Among the many legendary diamonds in famous jewels, few are as enigmatic as the stone derived from the broken Great Table Diamond. Though overshadowed by its more famous counterpart, the Darya-i-Nur, this lesser-known gem remains a crucial piece in the puzzle of historical famous diamonds. Believed to be a fragment from the ancient Great Table, it is a rare example of a diamond with a fascinating past that has defied full documentation.
Diamonds with Unmeasured Value
Unlike other famous diamonds with history, this stone’s weight and dimensions can only be estimated, as no formal measurements have been disclosed. In 1958, the diamond was elegantly set into a tiara by Harry Winston Jewellers for Empress Farah Pahlavi of Iran, embedding it in the legacy of diamonds in royal collections. Given the prestige of the jeweller and the recipient, it is assumed the stone was weighed and evaluated, but both the jewellers and the royal household have refrained from releasing this data.
Even the Empress herself, when approached by Scott for information, graciously expressed her regrets at not possessing any documentation regarding the gem’s specifications. She directed inquiries to Bank Markazi in Tehran, where the stone is currently housed. However, the institution has also been unable to furnish further details, leaving the diamond’s precise characteristics shrouded in mystery—making it one of the most intriguing diamonds from history’s most famous jewels.
Diamonds with Unique Histories and Scientific Interest
When the diamond is rotated 180°, the position of this cleavage aligns perfectly with the internal plane of the Darya-i-Nur, one of the most famous diamonds in world history. It is believed that this cleavage was ground away during the cutting process, resulting in an additional pavilion facet in this lesser stone—a modification that allowed the Darya-i-Nur to remain flawless, preserving its status among the world’s most valuable historical diamonds.
This careful grinding illustrates the technical brilliance of ancient gem cutters who prioritized flawlessness in the larger stone, even if it meant sacrificing symmetry in its smaller sibling. As such, this diamond represents not only a fragment of physical material but a fragment of royal and historical legacy—a gem deeply embedded in the history behind famous diamonds.
A Hidden Gem in the Timeline of Famous Diamonds
Although it may not command the same fame as the Koh-i-Noor or the Cullinan, this stone belongs in any serious famous diamonds timeline. It is a clear example of how even the smallest remnants of larger jewels can hold immense historical and scientific importance. As one of the rare historical diamonds connected to the ancient diamonds with royal significance, it stands as a quiet testament to the grandeur of Persia’s royal treasury.
Whether as a subject of academic study or a symbol of lost data in gemstone history, this diamond remains one of the most mysterious and fascinating diamonds with unique histories. It is a piece that invites further exploration, not only for its origin but for its untold role in preserving one of the most iconic legendary diamonds ever known—the Darya-i-Nur.