| Weight | 90.38 carats (18.08 g) |
|---|---|
| Color | D (colorless) |
| Cut | briolette |
| Country of origin | India |
| Mine of origin | India |
| Date discovered | Circa 1890s - 1900s |
| Cut by | Cartier, 1908-09 |
| Original owner | Unknown prior to Cartier |
| Current owner | Unknown |
| Estimated value | Exact figure unknown. Based on sales figures of similar quality historic diamonds, at least $5 million US. |
The Briolette of India is a colorless diamond (weighing 90.38 carats (18.08 g)) found in India. It is cut in a briolette shape, and is a D-coloured (colourless) type IIa diamond.[1] Its history was thought to date from the 12th century, when it was first acquired by Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Queen consort of King Louis VII of France between 1137 and 1152. This makes the Briolette of India the oldest diamond on record in the world, even older than the famous Koh-i-Noor.[1][2] The diamond was in the possession of several famous historical figures such as King Richard the Lion Heart, who carried it with him to the third crusade, and King Henry II of France who presented it to his mistress Diane de Poitiers.[3] The diamond has disappeared from records for long periods, sometimes even for several centuries, before resurfacing again. The diamond is currently believed to be in the possession of a European family.[1]
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Modern reports of the diamond's history speculate that it dates back as far as the 12th century, when it is said to have first been acquired and brought to England by Eleanor of Aquitaine, the queen consort of King Louis VII of France.[4][5] If Eleanor of Acquitaine did come into possession of the diamond, it was probably between 1137 and 1152, which would make the Briolette of India the oldest diamond on record.[1][6] After her marriage to the King of France was dissolved, Eleanor married Henry II of England, to whom she bore eight children including Richard I of England (Richard the Lionheart) who is said to have later acquired the diamond. Modern sources speculate that King Richard I carried the Briolette of India with him when he took part in the third crusade.[1][6]
The diamond's history was not recorded for almost three centuries after it passed from Richard I's possession. Modern sources resume the story of the diamond from the late 16th century, when Henry II of France is said to have presented it to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers.[6] After Henry II's death, his queen consort, Catherine de Medicis, forced Diane de Poitiers to surrender the jewels that had been given to her. The jewels that were surrendered may have included the Briolette of India.[1]
For almost four centuries, the diamond's history was not recorded. It reappeared again in 1950, when it was acquired from an Indian Maharajah by a New York jeweler, Harry Winston.
Winston sold the diamond to the wife of I. W. Killam, and bought it back again after her death ten years later.[1] Winston exhibited the diamond in 1970 at a dinner organized for American fashion editors.[6] The diamond is currently believed to be in the possession of a European family.
The Briolette of India is a colourless (D-coloured), clear diamond. It is cut in a briolette shape, an exaggerated form of double rose cut. The diamond weighs 90.38 carats (18.08 g). It is D-color and a type IIa diamond, which are the purest type of diamonds with no chemical impurities or plastic deformations in the crystal. Because of its pureness, it is even known as the "purest of the pure".[1] The diamond is set in a necklace, along with another diamond and a large pearl.[3]