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The Koh-I-Nur: Koh-i-Nur

In consequence of the clumsy way in which the Hindoo cutter had handled the "Koh-i-Nur," at a time when the art was still, doubtless, in its infancy, Prince Albert consulted Sir David Brewster, as to how it might be re-cut to the best possible advantage. He found in it, as is the case with many other large diamonds, several little caves, which he declared (according to his theory), to be the result of the expansive force of condensed gases. This, together with the flaws already noticed, he considered would make the cutting of it, without serious diminution, a very difficult thing. Messrs. Coster, however, of Amsterdam, thought that in the hands of skilful workmen, the difficulties might be overcome. Several patterns of cuts were laid before Her Majesty and the Prince Consort, and after due consultation, selection was made of the form which it now has, and which may be described as that of a regularly-cut brilliant.