Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Which is the world's oldest diamond?

November 08, 2004 07:24 IST
Diamonds

Which is the world's oldest diamond?
Take the Rediff Business Quiz and find out how much you know about the diamond industry.

Biz Quiz is best viewed in Internet Explorer (IE) and Netscape above version 6.0.

1. Which city is known as the 'world's diamond centre'?
a) Antwerp
b) Johannesburg
c) New York

Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is Antwerp.
Antwerp, capital of Belgium is the diamond-trading centre in the world. About 90 per cent of the world's uncut diamonds, and half of its polished diamonds, are sold here each year. The city is home to 1,500 retail and wholesale diamond companies and four diamond exchanges.
Correct!
Antwerp, capital of Belgium is the diamond-trading centre in the world. About 90 per cent of the world's uncut diamonds, and half of its polished diamonds, are sold here each year. The city is home to 1,500 retail and wholesale diamond companies and four diamond exchanges.

2. Which is the world's largest and flawless diamond?
a) Tiffany Star
b) De Beers Millennium Star
c) Antwerp Star

Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is De Beers Millennium Star.
The De Beers Star was discovered in Congo in the early nineties. It took three long years to cut and shape the stone with lasers. The stone weighing 203-carats was unveiled at the De Beers Millennium diamond collection. The collection was exhibited at London's Millennium Dome until 2000.
Correct!
The De Beers Star was discovered in Congo in the early nineties. It took three long years to cut and shape the stone with lasers. The stone weighing 203-carats was unveiled at the De Beers Millennium diamond collection. The collection was exhibited at London's Millennium Dome until 2000.

3. Which is the world's oldest diamond?
a) Fortune
b) Crown
c) Hope

Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is Hope.
The oldest diamond in the world is over a billion years old and weighs 45.52 carats. It gets its name after its owner Harry Thomas Hope. This diamond is the world largest blue diamond but it is more famous for the bad luck it brings to its owners. Hope's son, lost his wealth after he inherited it from his father. Later, a widow bought it only to invite more dangers. Finally no one dared to buy the stone! The stone is exhibited at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington.
Correct!
The oldest diamond in the world is over a billion years old and weighs 45.52 carats. It gets its name after its owner Harry Thomas Hope. This diamond is the world largest blue diamond but it is more famous for the bad luck it brings to its owners. Hope's son, lost his wealth after he inherited it from his father. Later, a widow bought it only to invite more dangers. Finally no one dared to buy the stone! The stone is exhibited at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington.

4. What does 'kohinoor' mean?
a) Precious Stone
b) Mountain of light
c) Pear-shaped

Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is mountain of light.
Kohinoor means 'mountain of light'. Its history dates back to 1304. The stone was initially owned by the Rajah of Malwa, but was seized by Nadir Shah of Persia, after he successfully tricked the emperor into switching turbans with him as a part of the old oriental custom.
The diamond then reached Persia and remained there till the fall of the empire.
After the British annexed Punjab, they took possession of it. In Britain, its size was cut down to 108.93-carats from 186-carats to restore its brilliance and luster.
Queen Elizabeth wore the Kohinoor studded tiara in 1937 for her coronation ceremony. The diamond is kept in the Tower of London.
Correct!
Kohinoor means 'mountain of light'. Its history dates back to 1304. The stone was initially owned by the Rajah of Malwa, but was seized by Nadir Shah of Persia, after he successfully tricked the emperor into switching turbans with him as a part of the old oriental custom.
The diamond then reached Persia and remained there till the fall of the empire.
After the British annexed Punjab, they took possession of it. In Britain, its size was cut down to 108.93-carats from 186-carats to restore its brilliance and luster.
Queen Elizabeth wore the Kohinoor studded tiara in 1937 for her coronation ceremony. The diamond is kept in the Tower of London.

5. About 80% of the world's natural diamonds are used for...
a) Making jewellery
b) Industrial purposes
c) Polishing

Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is industrial purposes.
About 75-80 per cent of the world's natural diamonds are used for industrial purposes. Only 20-25 per cent are used for gemstones. The chemical and physical properties of diamonds give it the superior cutting ability for industrial use. Diamond coatings have enhanced the performance of semiconductors.
Correct!
About 75-80 per cent of the world's natural diamonds are used for industrial purposes. Only 20-25 per cent are used for gemstones. The chemical and physical properties of diamonds give it the superior cutting ability for industrial use. Diamond coatings have enhanced the performance of semiconductors.

Click here for More Quizzes

Tell us what you think of this Quiz

Compiled by: Manu A B