For centuries, the most legendary jewels have existed in a realm of untouchable prestige, secured within museums, palaces, and impregnable vaults. We believed these glittering monuments to history and power were safe.
Then, in a matter of minutes, a brazen daylight heist at The Louvre in Paris shattered that illusion.
The news that a team of professional thieves could, with a simple ladder lift and power tools, walk off with pieces once worn by Empresses has done more than shock the world; it has unlocked the inner fantasies of every jewellery enthusiast. It begs the question: If the impossible is possible, and all the guards, cameras, and steel cages are merely suggestions, which treasure would you steal?
This primal, glittering desire for the forbidden gem endures. Even for casual collectors in Australia, whether admiring a display from Crystal Wholesale Australia or just dreaming of historical artifacts, the allure of the jewel that should be locked away remains irresistible.
British Crown Jewels
Britain’s Crown Jewels are perhaps the ultimate symbols of monarchical power. This legendary collection, over 100 royal objects set with more than 23,000 gemstones, has been used in coronation ceremonies for centuries. Central pieces include St. Edward’s Crown (used to crown monarchs) and the Imperial State Crown (worn at state openings of Parliament). The Imperial State Crown alone contains thousands of diamonds, pearls, sapphires and rubies. Among these gems is the famed Black Prince’s Ruby (a large red spinel) set in the front cross of the crown. (Legend says it was given to Edward, the Black Prince, by Spain’s King Pedro the Cruel in 1367.) Today, the Crown Jewels, including these historic gemstones, are kept secure in the Tower of London, on display as a “working” collection for the nation.
Koh-i-Noor Diamond
The Koh-i-Noor (Persian for “Mountain of Light”) is one of the world’s most famous diamonds, now part of the British Crown Jewels. Mined in India, it passed through the hands of Delhi sultans, Mughal emperors and Sikh rulers before the East India Company seized it in 1849 and presented it to Queen Victoria. In its modern cut, the Koh-i-Noor is about 105 carats, and it was set in the Crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Tradition decrees that the stone brings good luck to women but misfortune to men, which is why only queens and consorts wear it. Today it resides in the Tower of London as part of Queen Mary’s Crown. Its contested history and status as a symbol of British imperial power have even led countries like India and Pakistan to officially request its return.
Hope Diamond
Weighing 45.52 carats and glowing deep blue, the Hope Diamond is legendary for both its beauty and its supposed curse. Originating in India, it once belonged to French king Louis XIV (and later Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette), all of whom met violent ends during the French Revolution. More recently, a turn-of-the-20th-century American owner saw a string of tragedies: society scion Evalyn McLean’s daughter and son died young, and her husband abandoned her. These misfortunes fueled tales that the Hope Diamond carries bad luck. Today, however, the Hope Diamond’s rare blue colour can be enjoyed by all: it was donated by jeweller Harry Winston to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, where it is on permanent display. Its storied past now serves as a reminder that a gem can become legendary in its own right.
Cleopatra’s Emeralds
In ancient Egypt, emeralds were more than just pretty gems; they were royal symbols. Queen Cleopatra VII, in particular, loved emeralds and used them as political statements. Deposits at the Mons Smaragdus (“Emerald Mountain”) in Egypt provided her favourite green stone. Ancient sources tell us Cleopatra adorned herself with emerald necklaces, tiaras and rings, associating the green colour with life, fertility and the goddess Isis. According to tradition, she even had her likeness engraved on emeralds and gifted them to foreign allies, literally using the gems as tools of diplomacy. No specific jewellery pieces from Cleopatra survive today, but her reputation as the “Queen of Emeralds” endures. In her time, emeralds were as much a statement of power and mystique as any crown or diadem. I just want to see one for myself, so I can have it.
Regent Diamond
The Regent Diamond (140.64 carats) is one of history’s most famous white diamonds. Discovered in India in 1698, it was bought in 1717 by Thomas “Diamond” Pitt, who sold it to the French Regent (Philip II, Duke of Orléans). It adorned the crowns of Louis XV and Louis XVI and even Napoleon’s sword. Today, it is owned by the French state and is on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris and was one of the pieces that were not taken by the robbers. I don’t know why, and neither do the Paris police. Known for its exceptional brilliance and pale-blue hue, the Regent once carried rumours of bad luck (it vanished and reappeared several times), but ultimately it remained with France. In 2025, its value was estimated at around £60 million. More importantly than price, the Regent represents the opulence of the Bourbon monarchy and the symbolic heft of jewels on the heads and swords of emperors.
Daria-i-Noor Diamond
We often hear of blue or colourless diamonds, but the Daria-i-Noor (“Sea of Light”) is a rare pale pink gem weighing about 182 carats. It’s one of the largest polished pink diamonds in the world. Originating in India’s Kollur mine (like many famous gems), it passed through the Mughal treasury until Nader Shah of Persia seized it in 1739. It eventually became part of Iran’s crown jewels, set in an elaborate frame with other stones during the Qajar era. Today, the Daria-i-Noor is held in the Iranian National Jewels collection in Tehran’s Central Bank. To Iranians, this rosy gem symbolises royal heritage. Later, Shahs of Iran proudly wore it. In modern times, it remains tightly guarded, but it shines as proof of the Mughal-to-Persian passage of power and wealth.
