Diamonds have long been revered for their brilliance and allure, but behind the sparkle, some of the world’s most famous gems hold secrets of betrayal, war, and exploitation. From stolen treasures of ancient empires to symbols of colonial power, the tales of these historic diamonds are filled with intrigue and injustice. Here are the stories of three of the most controversial diamonds in history that still spark debate today.

1. The Koh-i-Noor Diamond: A Contested Legacy

The Koh-i-Noor, weighing 105 carats, is one of the largest and most storied historic diamonds in the world. Its name, meaning “Mountain of Light” in Persian, belies its dark past marked by conquest and coercion. Originally mined in India, the gem changed hands multiple times throughout history, passing from Mughal emperors to Persian shahs and Afghan emirs. In 1849, it was taken by the British East India Company after their annexation of Punjab and presented to Queen Victoria.

Today, the Koh-i-Noor is part of the British Crown Jewels, set in the Queen Mother’s crown, and displayed in the Tower of London. But its presence there remains contentious. India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have all staked claims to the diamond, demanding its return as a symbol of restitution for colonial plunder. Despite these demands, the British government has refused, maintaining that the diamond was acquired legally through the Treaty of Lahore, although the circumstances of its acquisition remain highly disputed.

“The Koh-i-Noor casts long shadows, symbolizing not just imperial power, but also the painful legacy of colonialism,” says Blake Asaad, founder of GOODSTONE. “Its rightful ownership is still the subject of heated international debate.”

2. The Hope Diamond: A Gem of Curses and Intrigue

The 45-carat Hope Diamond, famed for its captivating deep blue hue, is not only one of the most recognizable gems in the world but also one of the most controversial. Believed to have originated from the Golconda mines of India, the diamond was allegedly stolen from a statue of the Hindu goddess Sita, which gave rise to legends of a curse. Its checkered past is full of thefts, disappearances, and tragedy.

After being acquired by French King Louis XIV in the 17th century, it was stolen during the French Revolution and disappeared for several decades. The diamond resurfaced in London in the early 19th century and was eventually bought by American heiress Evalyn Walsh McLean. During her ownership, a series of personal tragedies befell her family, which fueled the myth of the “Hope Diamond Curse.”

“While the idea of a curse is more fiction than fact, the diamond’s murky provenance and ties to colonial plunder are real issues,” Blake explains. “The Hope Diamond’s saga reminds us how these gems, no matter how beautiful, are often linked to darker histories.”

Now housed in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C., the Hope Diamond continues to be a source of fascination—and controversy.

3. The Tiffany Diamond: A Yellow Stone with a Tarnished Past

The Tiffany Diamond is one of the world’s largest yellow diamonds, weighing an impressive 287.42 carats in its rough state. Discovered in South Africa in 1877, it was acquired by Charles Tiffany the following year, who had it cut into a dazzling 128.54-carat cushion shape. Despite its beauty, the Tiffany Diamond’s origins are a stark reminder of the brutal colonial exploitation that dominated Africa’s diamond mining industry in the 19th century.

“While the Tiffany Diamond itself is not directly tied to violence or theft, it symbolizes the broader impact of exploitative practices that devastated African communities and enriched European powers,” Blake says. “Its recent advertising campaign with Beyoncé in 2021 brought renewed scrutiny to its past, highlighting how even seemingly unblemished gems can carry the weight of history.”

Beyoncé’s campaign with Tiffany drew backlash for promoting a diamond that many see as emblematic of the harmful legacy of colonial resource extraction. The controversy served as a wake-up call to the luxury industry, emphasizing the need for greater transparency and ethical practices in sourcing precious stones.