Daria-i-Noor
The Daria-i-Noor, also spelled Darya-ye Noor and Daria-i-Nur, is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, weighing an estimated 182 carats. Its colour, pale pink, is one of the rarest to be found in diamonds. The diamond is currently in the Iranian National Jewels collection of the Central Bank of Iran in Tehran. During the reign of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, an elaborate frame was crafted from 457 smaller diamonds and four rubies, crowned by Iran's imperial insignia.
Dimensions
It is and weighs around 182 metric carats. It is the world's largest known pink diamond. Originally, it may have been cut from an even larger stone.History
This diamond, as is also presumed for the Koh-i-Noor, was mined in Kollur Mine in the Golconda region of Andhra Pradesh, India. Its early origins are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been one of the eyes of the Mughal Peacock Throne.In 1739, Nader Shah of Iran invaded Northern India and occupied Delhi. As payment for returning the crown of India to the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah, he took possession of the entire fabled treasury of the Mughals, including the Daria-i-Noor, the Koh-i-Noor, and the Peacock Throne.
After Nader Shah's death in 1747, the diamond was inherited by his grandson, Shahrokh Shah. From there, it fell into the hands of Lotf Ali Khan. After Lotf Ali Khan's defeat at the hands of Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, who established the ruling Qajar dynasty of Iran, the Daria-i-Noor entered the Qajar treasury. During this time, Naser al-Din Shah Qajar was said to be very fond of the diamond, often wearing it as an arm band, an aigrette, or a brooch, and maintenance of the diamond was an honour bestowed upon higher ranking individuals.