Created by Anastasia Rogozinski on Sun, 02/09/2025 - 17:53
Description:
"The Koh-i-Noor on display at the Great Exhibition Prior to its Re-installation." Illustrated London News, 1851. Victoria and Albert Museum, London. The Koh-i-Noor, thought to be the largest precious jewel at the time, was on display during the Great Exhibition. Before this, the diamond was given to Queen Victoria by the East India Company after Duleep Singh, the ten-year-old Maharaja, gave the diamond up through the Treaty of Lahore (1849). The name Koh-i-Noor translates to "Mountain of Light," which is fitting since the diamond was around 105.6 carats at the time of Great Exhibition. The image illustrates the diamond as it was originally displayed, on a red cushion and protected by the security of the birdcage-like contraption. This creation was considered to be very modern and to have expert security. The crown at the top of the cage emphasizes that this was an item of great significance and the property of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.