The legend of Koh-I-Noor
Although all diamonds are at least hundreds of millions of years old,
the “Koh-I-Noor”, which means “mountain of light”,
holds the distinction of being the oldest known large diamond.
Imagine that when uncut, the gem was originally 793 carats.
According to legend, the “Koh I Noor” was discovered in India thousands of years ago on the banks of the sacred Yumana River. Resting on the forehead of Karna, newborn sun of the Indian god Surya! Karna believed that the diamond gave him immortality so when fate proved him wrong, the gem was passed to God Shiva and installed in his temple to act as his third eye.
As a deity, Shiva wore the diamond with impunity.
Such was his infatuation that he warned that “those who possess the diamond will rule the world,but have nothing but sorrow,only a god or a woman can wear it without fear”
History went on to confirm Shiva’s prophecy was partly right!
