The
Shah
Diamond was found in India around 1450. It has a slightly
yellowish tinge, making it not quite of the highest quality. Originally, it is
said to have weighed around 95 carats, but when it was cut, it lost 9 carats.
Its shape is an elongated octahedron and is often referred to as being
coffin-shaped. On three of its original faces are the names of three of its
owners, engraved in Persian along with corresponding dates.
The
names are:
Nizām Shāh:
The original known owner, who ordered his name carved on one of the faces in
1591.
Jahān Shāh:
The grandson of the Great Moghul Akbar, ruler of Northern India. He had his
inscription carved in 1641.
Fath 'Alī Shāh:
The second Qajar Emperor/Shah of Persia. He had the third inscription done in
1826.
A few years later, after the murder
of a Russian diplomat, the diamond was given to Russian Tsar Nicholas I, and it
remained amongst the crown jewels. The Shah Diamond can currently be found in
the Kremlin.
The Art Organique period began in
the 20th Century and continues until current time. This movement is
inspired by the sciences and focuses on nature-inspired and abstract designs,
with a goal to comprehend the underlying spirit of nature instead of just
copying it. 
The Retro period, lasted from 1945
to 1960 and was inspired by Hollywood. The most commonly worn items were large
cocktail rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces, and charm bracelets. Jewelry
from this time period was also referred to as “cocktail jewelry”. 
The Art Deco period lasted from
1915 to 1935, although the term was first used in reference to the 1925
International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts held in
Paris. This was a period of transition from Art Nouveau and was inspired by the
art and architecture of the Native Americans, ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and
Romans. This is one of the most highly sought-after jewelry styles, as
evidenced by auction results.
