Legends of famous diamonds live on at Cape Town Diamond Museum

July 29th, 2013 by Noam Flint

South Africa is known for a number of historic events, but it’s also credited as being one of the most diamond-rich places in the world. This fact led to the creation of the Cape Town Diamond Museum, which houses a slew of famous and breathtaking white and colored diamonds. According to Cape Town Magazine, the stunning diamonds on display are replicas of the most fabulous gemstones to ever be dug out of the ground, but the knowledge those who work there are willing to share is priceless.

Where the myth of engagement rings began

In fact, the legend of why women wear engagement rings on their left ring finger stems from South Africa. Avashin Naiker, a diamond expert at the museum, told the journalist from the magazine that, according to popular folklore, the first man to ask for his lady’s hand in marriage with a diamond was Archduke Maximilian in 1477.

According to Naiker, Maximilian believed there’s a vein that runs directly from the left ring finger to a person’s heart, which is why he chose to give his bride a diamond fit for that specific finger, and thus, why he is credited with starting the diamond engagement ring craze. Though tidbits like this might fascinate diamond enthusiasts, it’s likely that the history of some of the most famous gemstones will truly pique their interest.

Diamonds on display

Those who visit the museum will be able to learn more about many popular stones, including the Eureka, the Hope Diamond, and the Incomparable. The museum’s official website reports the Eureka is one of two yellow diamonds cut from a 21.25-carat rough stone. It was discovered by a 15-year-old boy who had been playing on the south bank of the Orange River near Hopetown.

The impressive Incomparable boasts 407.48 carats in weight and is the third-largest diamond ever cut, according to the museum. It’s not just the size of the stone that marvels audiences, however, but also its “internally flawless clarity,” unusual shape and it’s gorgeous brown-yellow, almost topaz color. This unique triangular gemstone was found in the Mbuji-Mayi district of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 1980s.

Forbes reports the diamond recently set the Guinness World Record for being the most expensive necklace, with a value of approximately $55 million. Famed luxury jewelry company Mouawad purchased the gem and added it onto an 18-carat gold necklace with 35 round, 27 pear-shaped, nine heart-shaped, five emerald-cut, five cushion-cut, four oval, three Asscher-cut and two radiant diamonds for a total of 637 carats, including the Incomparable.

To learn more about the new setting of the Incomparable, visit Mouawad