The Koh-i-noor Diamond was acquired by Queen Victoria when she became Empress of India. Originally believed to have come from a temple of a Hindu God, possibly Krishna, the diamond is cursed so that, “He who owns this diamond will own the world, but will also know all it’s misfortune. Only God or a women can wear it with impunity.  Many rulers in what is now India and Pakistan have held the diamond and as a result had a demise both gruesome and unexpected.

In 1849 the final king of India Duleep Singh, at ten years old, signed over both his role as monarch, but also the diamond to the british royal family.  The effect of the jewel, though only worn by female members of the royal family is believed to be the disease Hemophilia which had not been recorded prior to the acquisition of the stone.

Queen Victoria wore the Koh-i-noor Diamond as a broach before it was palced in the Queen's crown, now worn by Elizabeth II. The diamond has never been worn by a male member of the royal family.

More informaiton on the Jewel here and here.

News broadcast about the conspet of the jewels return to India.