Nothing is known of the early history of this diamond. What is known, however, is that it made its appearance in Amsteradam, a renowned diamond cutting centre, in 1904 and was named after Holland's Queen Wilhelmina.

It weighs 135.92 carats and its exceptional quality, internal purity and D-colour, with a slight blue tint have led expects to speculate that it may have come from India's famed Golconda mines, which also yielded the Koh-i-noor.

It was purchased by the maharaja of Navanagar, famed cricketer Kumar Ranjitsinghji Vibhaji, who gave Cartier the responsibility of converting it into jewellery. Cartier set it as the centrepiece of a pendant to a magnificent ceremonial necklace.

The diamond remained with the maharaja's family until Cartier purchased it in 1960.

William Goldberg, who purchased the diamond, pared it from 136.25 carats to its present weight of 135.92 carats. He then sold it to his partner, diamond connoisseur and jeweller Robert Mouawad for $7 million.

Information courtesy: Internetstones.com