New Delhi,  Apr 1: For centuries, diamonds have drawn attention for their brilliance and rarity. They have long been associated with wealth, power, and prestige. What is less widely known, however, is that the story of diamonds began in India. Some of the most famous diamonds in the world, including the Koh-i-Noor, trace their origins back to the country.

At a time when much of the world was unfamiliar with diamonds, India had already established itself as a centre for diamond mining. The Golconda region was one of the earliest and most significant sources, producing several historic gems. Many of these diamonds were found along the Krishna River and eventually travelled across continents through trade, becoming part of royal treasuries.

Historical records suggest that diamond mining in India dates back to the 4th century BCE, making it one of the oldest known traditions in the world. Over time, these diamonds became associated with different rulers, empires, and geographies, each adding a new layer to their identity.

Diamonds such as the Koh-i-Noor, Hope Diamond, Regent, and Daria-i-Noor continue to be among the most talked about and valuable gems globally. Today, some are housed in museums, while others remainpart of private or royal collections. Several of these diamonds have also been re-cut over time, changing both their appearance and identity.

Bringing these stories together, The Great Indian Diamond Index presents 12 of the most prominent diamonds associated with India. Developed as part of De Beers’ initiative, the index brings them into one place for the first time.

Rather than looking at these diamonds only as precious objects, the index traces their full journey, from their natural origins to their historical and cultural significance. It combines physical attributes with context to offer a more complete view of their legacy.

The archive does not rank the diamonds. Their individual histories make any such comparison beside the point.