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Diamonds and pearls truly are nature’s gifts, and whether you love pearl engagement rings or ones featuring the world-renowned Argyle pink diamonds best, it’s safe to say they’re both spectacular and worthy of their reputations. But there is something particularly special about diamonds.

Here’s a look at some of the most famous diamonds in the world.

The Great Star of Africa

As the largest cut diamond in the world, The Great Star of Africa is deservedly placed with the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. The dazzler was cut from a diamond mined in Transvaal, South Africa. It’s set in the Royal Scepter and is cut in a pear shape, with 74 facets.

The Orlov

Housed in the Diamond Treasury of Russia, the Orlov was given to Empress Catherine the Great by Count Grigori Orloff. Its history, shrouded in myth and legend, states it was once the diamond eye of a Hindu idol in a sacred temple. It features an Indian rose-style cut, which is rare among historic diamonds.

 The Centenary Diamond

Another part of the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, the Centenary Diamond was found only fairly recently, in 1986. It was crafted into the flawless piece we see today by master cutter Gabi Tolkowsky. The magnificent diamond is surpassed in size only by the Great Star of Africa.

The Regent

Initially discovered in 1698 in India, the Regent has had the honour of being set into the French Crown and it now resides in the Louvre, in Paris. It was set into the crown at the request of the Regent Phillippe d’Orleans in 1717, as the most beautiful diamond known at that time to the western world.

Mountain of Light

With a history dating back over 5,000 years, the Koh-i-noor, which means ‘mountain of light’ in Persian, is surrounded by mythical trials and tribulations. First in the possession of Mogul Emperors, it changed hands among royalty until it was presented to Queen Victoria in 1850. Finally, it was set in the State Crown of the late Queen Mother.

The Taylor-Burton

The diamond made famous by Elizabeth Taylor was found in the Premier Mine, in South Africa, in 1966. It was initially bought by Harry Winston and eventually secured by Richard Burton as a gift for his love.

More recently, it’s celebrities that tend to create new stories surrounding fabulous diamonds.