"Most of the great diamonds distinguished for beauty and size have very interesting histories. one of the most famous is the Koh-i-Nur, or Koohinoor, 'Mountain of Light.' The legend is that it was carried by the hero Karna, whose deeds are celebrated in the 'Mahabharata.' It made its first appearance in history in the 14th century, when Ala-ed-din brought it to Delhi. At that time it was supposed to weigh 793 carats."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

The Kohinur Diamond

"Most of the great diamonds distinguished for beauty and size have very interesting histories. one of…