The Hortensia diamond was named after the Queen of Holland, Hortense de Becuharnias. Queen Josephine was the mother of Hortense. The queen of Holland was also the step-daughter of the great Napolean Bonaparte. The rare diamond is on display along with the unique diamond Regent in Louvre situated in Paris. The king Louis XIV bought this precious stone and from then on, the gem is still enhancing the beauty of the French coronet. The Hortensia diamond weighs around twenty carat. On the pavilion, this rare gem has a crack.
This precious Hortensia diamond is slightly orangish and pinkish in color bearing five cuts. In the year 1792, a number of jewels were being stolen from the Garde Meuble and Hortensia diamond was one of them. Later on, this stone was recovered in Paris. The stone was found on the loft of a house which was situated in the district of Halles. At the time of the first empire Napolean became the proud owner of the Hortensia diamond.
In the year, 1856, the precious Hortensia diamond was set in the headband of the empress Eugiene. In 1830, the diamond was again stolen but fortunately it was recovered. In the year 1887, several rare stones of the French Crown were being sold. The Hortensia and the Regent diamonds were not sold due to their artistic and historic importance. This peach colored stone is a unique piece of diamond which has enhanced the beauty of the French coronet since emperor Louis purchased it.
