Shah Jahan Table Cut
Specifications
| Weight | 56.72 carats |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 46 x 33 x 3.6 mm |
| Color | Colorless |
| Weight of Rough | Unknown |
| Origin | India |
| Date Found | Prior to 1617 |
| Current Location | Kuwait National Museum |
Details
The Legendary Mughal Diamond: Shah Jahan Tabel Cut - A Gem of Empire and Intrigue
Among the most famous diamonds in history, few possess a story as captivating as this legendary Mughal diamond. Its journey through empires, royal collections, and private vaults makes it one of the world’s most valuable historical diamonds and a timeless symbol of power, artistry, and fate.
The diamond’s story begins in the early 1600s with Jahangir Shah, the fourth emperor of the Mughal Empire, celebrated for his passion for art and precious gems. His son, Prince Khurram—later Shah Jahan, the creator of the Taj Mahal—is famously depicted holding this remarkable stone in a turban ornament. The 1616 painting, rendered in watercolour and gold on paper, now resides in the Victoria and Albert Museum, serving as a glittering window into India’s royal heritage and a highlight in the timeline of famous diamonds in royal collections.
The gem’s royal serenity ended dramatically in 1739, when Nadir Shah of Persia invaded Delhi and seized the Mughal treasures. Among them was this historic diamond, forever altering its destiny. After that, its whereabouts became a mystery—some accounts suggest it entered private European ownership, while others claim it became part of the Russian Diamond Fund. These conflicting tales only deepen its allure among diamonds with mysterious and fascinating pasts.
In modern history, the diamond resurfaced at a Sotheby’s auction in 1985, yet remained unsold. It later found a permanent home in the Kuwait National Museum, where it stands today as a brilliant relic of empire—one of the rare historical diamonds that shaped the world’s royal narratives.
Technically, the gem is extraordinary. It features a table cut design—almost 2 inches (46 mm) long but only 1/8 inch (3.6 mm) thick—a rare proportion that suggests it was formed from a flat cleavage piece, later faceted and drilled for use as a pendant. The facet angles, ranging from 1.25° to 20°, give the stone a subdued glow rather than sharp brilliance, creating an effect both subtle and regal.
Modern replicas, while lacking the original’s drilled suspension holes, replicate its structure with precision. Though not dazzling in the modern sense, the gem radiates history—light reflecting off its shallow facets much like memories glinting across centuries.
From the opulent courts of Mughal India to the treasure hunts of history, this diamond embodies the enduring legacy of legendary diamonds with royal significance. It stands among the famous diamonds with history—a true jewel of empires, whose beauty lies not only in its sparkle but in the extraordinary story it carries through time.