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"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. 

"The Koh-i-Noor, between two other diamonds, as it was originally presented to Queen Victoria. Illustrated London News, 1851. Victoria and Albert Museum, London. This image illustrates the Koh-i-Noor diamond in its original setting. It is the center diamond with two other jewels on the side. This is how the diamond was displayed under the iron cage, previously pictured. The diamond would later be taken out of this setting and arranged differently to better catch audiences' attention as they were relatively unimpressed with this original display. The Great Exibition Catalogue (1851) discusses the history of the diamon before it was given to Queen Victoria. Mention of the diamond has appeared historically and in legends. Consequently, according the Hindu legend, the Koh-i-Noor diamond was found around 3001 B.C. in south Indian mines. As a result of much of its history being part of legend, we do not know for sure the complete history of the Koh-i-Noor diamond except that it traveled around and belonged to Indian people and royalty until it was forced to be given to British royalty, Queen Victoria, at the time. 

Bourne, J. C., Cole, H., Davies, J. P., Delamotte, P. H., Ellis, R., Jackson, M., Jarvis, J., Nichols, C. P., Petermann, A., & Tenniel, J. (1851). Official Descriptive and Illustrated Catalogue. Spicer Brothers, Wholesale Stationers : W. Clowes and Sons, Printers.