Famous Diamonds The Cullinan – the largest diamond ever found – was cut into nine major stones and 96 smaller pieces. The third and fourth large rocks make up the world's largest brooch	D iamonds such as the 530.20 carat Star Of Africa and the smaller but equally impressive Koh-I-Noor – both part of the British Crown Jewels – are legendary not only for their beauty but for their previous owners and mystical legends. Perhaps no diamond has captured the world's attention more than the Hope Diamond. It's a shame that the famed Hope – all 45.52 luscious blue carats of it – is imprisoned behind glass at Washington DC's Smithsonian Institute. But, perhaps it's better that way, considering the stone's past. Since Marie Antoinette first got her hands on it in the early 19th century – she was later beheaded, as you'll recall – people have said the rock is cursed. In 1830, the man who cut the diamond reportedly committed suicide after his son made off with the jewel. And according to legend, an actress was later shot on stage the first night she wore the Hope. The validity of such stories is obviously suspect. But we know this much is true… » NEXT PAGE (1/2)
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