Among the most famous diamonds in history, the Sancy Diamond stands out for its extraordinary shape, royal lineage, and centuries-long journey across continents. Weighing 55.23 carats and originating from India’s Golconda mines, this pale yellow gem is one of the world’s most valuable historical diamonds and a true symbol of royal power.

The diamond’s European story begins in the late 1500s with Nicolas de Harlay, Seigneur de Sancy, a French diplomat and gem collector whose name the stone still bears. The Sancy adorned the crowns of King Henry III and King Henry IV of France, serving both as royal ornament and collateral to finance wars — a hallmark of diamonds with royal history.

By 1605, de Sancy sold the gem to King James I of England, where it was set in the famed Mirror of Great Britain. Over time, the diamond passed between monarchs and noble families, reappearing in French royal collections under Louis XIV before being stolen during the French Revolution.

In the 19th century, the Sancy resurfaced in Russia with Prince Demidoff, and later became part of the Astor family’s treasures. In 1978, it was acquired by the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it remains one of the museum’s star exhibits.
The diamond’s shield-shaped cut, with two crowns and no pavilion, reflects the artistry of early diamond cutting—favoring size and symmetry over brilliance. Despite its subtle sparkle, the Sancy continues to captivate historians and gem enthusiasts alike as one of the legendary diamonds with fascinating pasts.