Sourcing

Why Camilla’s Coronation Won’t Include the Koh-i-Noor Diamond

SourcingMay 05, 2023

Why Camilla’s Coronation Won’t Include the Koh-i-Noor Diamond

The 105-carat diamond has a complicated history with ties to Britain’s colonial rule over India.

20230221_Queen Mary's Crown.jpg
Queen Consort Camilla will wear the Queen Mary Crown at the upcoming coronation of King Charles III. The Koh-i-Noor Diamond, a 105-carat diamond with a complicated history dating back to Britain’s colonial rule over India, will be absent from the ceremony. (Image courtesy of Buckingham Palace’s website)
London—The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla will take place in May at London’s Westminster Abbey, bringing royal jewelry back into the spotlight.

However, the Koh-i-Noor, a 105-carat diamond with a thorny history, will be absent from the ceremony.

One of the largest cut diamonds in the world, the stone was taken from India by the East India Company and given to Queen Victoria, according to historians.

The stone’s ownership has been in dispute for years, but the issue came up again following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, with some in India wondering aloud via social media if the diamond once again would be used in a coronation ceremony.

In response to the conversation, a spokesman for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata political party told the Daily Telegraph that “the coronation of Camilla and the use of the crown jewel Koh-i-Noor brings back painful memories of the colonial past.”

The history of the diamond dates back centuries, with authors Anita Anand and William Dalrymple chronicling its journey in their book “Koh-i-Noor: The History of the World’s Most Infamous Diamond.”  They shared parts of that story with Smithsonian Magazine in a 2017 interview.

The stone originally was part of an extravagant throne commissioned by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan in 1628.

The throne took seven years to make and cost four times as much as the Taj Mahal’s construction, as per The Smithsonian, as it was covered in rubies, emeralds, diamonds and pearls. The Koh-i-Noor diamond was placed at the top of the throne, set into the head of a peacock.

When Persian ruler Nader Shah invaded Delhi in 1739, the Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-Noor diamond were looted and taken to present-day Afghanistan.

The diamond exchanged hands several times, leading Afghanistan and Pakistan to also stake a claim to it.

In 1849, during a turbulent period in India’s history, a 10-year-old boy, Duleep Singh, and his mother, Rani Jindan, were in line for the Punjabi throne, said the authors.

This was during the colonial period and the British had set their sights on the Koh-i-Noor, as the diamond had become a symbol of power.

The British imprisoned Jindan, and her young son was forced to amend the Treaty of Lahore, a peace-making treaty signed at the end of the First Anglo-Sikh War, said The Smithsonian.

The amendment required the boy to give up the Koh-i-Noor diamond and any claim to it.

Some believe the stone is cursed due to the questionable way in which it was acquired.

The diamond has been in the possession of the British ever since and has made several appearances, last worn by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, during her coronation in 1937. She was also the last Empress of India.

At the upcoming coronation, Camilla, wife of King Charles III, will wear the Queen Mary Crown, said Buckingham Palace, which will not feature even a replica of the Koh-i-Noor diamond.

Created by Crown Jeweller Garrard for the 1911 coronation, the crown was commissioned by Queen Mary, the consort of King George V.

20230221_Coronation.jpg
The Queen Mary crown was created for Queen Mary, seen here with King George V, for the 1911 coronation. (Image courtesy of Buckingham Palace’s website)


The crown originally included the Koh-i-Noor, but was replaced by a replica in 1937, according to the Independent, when the famous diamond was moved to the Queen Mother’s crown for that year’s coronation.

Its design was inspired by Queen Alexandra’s crown in 1902, said Buckingham Palace. The style is similar, with removable arches allowing it to be worn as a regal circlet.

Opting for the Queen Mary crown was a choice Buckingham Palace is framing as a push for sustainability, rather than cultural sensitivity.

“The choice of Queen Mary’s Crown by Her Majesty is the first time in recent history that an existing crown will be used for the coronation of a consort instead of a new commission being made, in the interests of sustainability and efficiency,” said Buckingham Palace in a statement, which did not make a direct mention of the Koh-i-Noor diamond.

The current cost-of-living crisis in the U.K. has also raised eyebrows at the idea of an expensive coronation. The last time a Queen Consort’s crown was reused was the 18th century when Queen Caroline, consort of George II, wore Mary of Modena’s crown.

However, the Crown Jeweller will make a few changes and additions to reflect Camilla’s style and pay tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, said Buckingham Palace.

Rather than use the replica of the Koh-i-Noor, the crown will be reset with the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds, which were part of Queen Elizabeth II’s personal collection and often worn as brooches.

The Cullinan diamonds have been set into the Queen Mary Crown previously for temporary periods, said Buckingham Palace. 

Cullinan III and IV were set in the crown for the 1911 coronation while the Cullinan V was added when the crown was worn as a regal circlet at King George VI’s coronation in 1937. 

The crown has eight detachable arches. Four will be removed for the upcoming coronation to give it a different look from when it was worn by Queen Mary in 1911.

King Charles will wear St. Edward’s Crown, which has already been modified and returned to public display at the Tower of London.

The Latest

Pippa Small Myanmar Fish Cluster
CollectionsAug 14, 2025
In Midst of ‘Sardine Girl Summer,’ Pippa Small Looks to ‘Flounder Fall’

Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.

Casio America CEO Yusuke Suzuki
MajorsAug 14, 2025
Casio America Names New CEO

Longtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Stephanie Gottlieb Ring
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut Diamond

Model Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Whiskey Barrel Ring
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring Giveaway

Three winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.

Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
People shopping in a mall
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRF

JD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.

Columbia Gem House Winza sapphires and rubies
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, Rubies

The new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.

an instructor and a student in a bench jewelry classroom
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench Jewelers

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Gemfields Faberge
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50M

Acquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.

Shipping containers on a ship
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump Says

President Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.

Jacquie Aiche Thunderbird Slab Collection Campaign
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the Thunderbird

The “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.

Duvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better Headshot

Columnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.

Vigil for slain Wheat Ridge, Colorado jeweler Peter Damian Arguello
CrimeAug 11, 2025
Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in Death of Colorado Jeweler

Peter Damian Arguello, a jeweler in the Denver suburb of Wheat Ridge, was found dead inside his store in November 2023.

Lisa Bridge
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge Jeweler

The retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.

Bethenny Frankel
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2025
Bethenny Frankel to Give Keynote at CBG’s Experience Show

The Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.

Nora Kühner fashion design consulting trend forecast colors 2027
EditorsAug 11, 2025
The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple Years

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.

Brilliant Earth Jolie Mosaics engagement ring
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales Rise

The company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.

Jewellers for Hope charity event
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of Fundraising

The organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.

Rahaminov Diamonds Emerald-Cut Diamond Bezel Bangle
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel Bangle

The brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.

Black and white photo of Tony Bennett near a microphone
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony Bennett

The first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.

Sapphire page in Chatham’s “Ultimate Lab-Grown Catalog”
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown Gemstones

The catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.

Rembrandt Blue Jay, Hummingbird, Cardinal Bird Charms
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird Charms

The company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.

Shipping containers on a ship
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again

The jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.

Smith & Son Jewelers storefront Springfield Massachusetts
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

Zahn-Z Beluga Spout Grey Spinel Ring and Beluga Spout Mandarin Garnet Ring
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ Collection

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.

Paola De Luca presenting Trendbook 2026+ at Vicenzaoro
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+

She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy