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In 1969 the Zale Corporation of Dallas purchased in Antwerp a fine blue-white gem weighing 434.6 carats, the source of which was simply stated as West Africa. More specifically it had almost certainly come from Sierra Leone. After two years work in New York the outcome was thirteen gems totally 172.46 carats.
The biggest, a pear shape cut with 111 facets, weighs 130.27 carats and has been named the Light of Peace.
The choice of the name for the large diamond was explained by Morris Zale, one of the two brothers who had founded Zale Corporation. He stated, "Once we acquired the diamond, it was suggested that perhaps we could use this great find to make a small contribution to promoting peace. We also felt that it was time for private industry to begin taking a more active role in promoting peace which has, up to now, been essentially a government function."
Accordingly Zale Corporation set up a fund with money received from the many showings of the diamond, the proceeds being donated to a cause for peace. In 1980 Zale Corporation sold the Zale Light of Peace to an undisclosed buyer. Explaining the decision to sell the diamond, Donald Zale said: "Over the years we had so many inquiries about the diamond that we put a price on it and said not to call unless the enquirer were willing to pay the price ... "Somebody called."
The Regent...
The finest diamond of the French crown. Discovered in 1698 on the River Krisna in India, it was worn in various headdresses by Louis XV, Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. It was also mounted on Napoleon Bonaparte's pommel of his court sword when he was crowned emperor of the French in 1804. Later , Charles X's wore it for his coronation in 1824. It is currently in Louvre, in the Apollo Gallery, where it is the most marvelous object among historic treasures. The stone weighs 140.50 carats..
The Taylor/Burton Diamond...
This 69.42 carat pear-shaped diamond was sold at auction in 1969 with the understanding that it could be named by the buyer. Cartier of New York successfully bid for it and immediately christened it "Cartier". However, the next day Richard Burton bought the stone for Elizabeth Taylor, renaming it the "Taylor-Burton." In June 1979, the stone was sold for nearly $3 million and was last reported to be in Saudi Arabia.
This is a series of Fun Facts about Famous Gems.......More to Come....
Other guides relating to jewelry and gemstone buying which you may find helpful are as follows:
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