A large pink diamond , which originated from the same mines of India as the world - famous Koh -I- Noor and adorned the crowns of numerous French king , was sold at an auction for a whopping $ 14.5 million. The 19.07 -carat diamond known as the Grand Mazarin , takes its name from Cardinal Mazarin , who became France's Chief Minister in 1642 .Towards the end of his life , Mazarin assembled a collection of 18 exceptional gems. The diamond originated in the Golconda mines in present day Telangana , which are legendary for having produced some of the most important diamonds in history.
Including the Koh - I- Noor , the regent Diamond and the Wittelsbach - Graff. The Grand Mazarin was the largest of the 18 diamonds which went under hammer at a sale at Christie's Auctions in Geneva on November 14 . An unidentified telephone bidder made a winning bid of over $ 14,500,000 the auction house said . this would be the last time Grand Mazarin is ever exhibited in public. These stones became part of the French crown jewels and would remain the favourites of the French royal family for more than 200 years , having first passed from Mazarin King Louis XIV - The Sun king - in 1661 , when the French rule.
er was only 23 years old . Louis's Wife , Maria Theresa of Austria , is likely to have been the first person to wear the Grand Mazarin. After Theresa's death , Louis XIV added the Grand Mazarin to his chain of diamonds , set descending size order , on which it remained for many years. The Sun King's 72 years reign would leave its indelible mark on French history the Chateau of Versailles , the Construction of which he supervised , has left o posterity the image of a king enamoured of grandeur.