Toronto-based artist Reena Ahluwalia has brought the legendary Koh-i-Noor diamond to life in a stunning artwork that pays homage to its rich history. For the first time ever, the Koh-i-Noor diamond has been faithfully interpreted on canvas by Ahluwalia, and the masterpiece has been immortalised as a digital art NFT on the blockchain. This groundbreaking fusion of art, jewellery history, and technology ensures the enduring legacy and accessibility of this iconic gem.
The two-year endeavour behind the creation of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond painting reflects Ahluwalia’s extensive research and deep connection to the subject. “My interpretation of Koh-i-Noor diamond is imagination combined with my diamond knowledge, and how light could reflect on facets considering its geometry. More importantly, I wanted to capture its true essence and symbolism,” expressed Ahluwalia.
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond NFT has been released by Ahluwalia as a limited edition of 50, allowing anyone to own a piece of this world-famous diamond. To purchase the NFT, interested buyers must set up a crypto wallet like Metamask and add Ethereum.
Ahluwalia explained her motivation behind this project, stating, “I want to preserve the legend and legacy of Koh-i-Noor through my painting and imprint it on the blockchain for perpetuity as a digital artwork. I want to give back the Koh-i-noor to people, back to all who think it belongs to them.”
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond, meaning “Mountain of Light” in Persian, is a mythical diamond of Indian origin that formed billions of years ago beneath the Earth’s surface. This extraordinary gem has witnessed 750 years of human history. Weighing 105.6 carats, the Koh-i-Noor is a rare Type IIA super-deep diamond. Its allure has sparked desire, intrigue, and conquests for centuries. With a remarkable journey, it has passed through the hands of Mughal emperors, Persian Shahs, Afghan Emirs, and Maharajas of Punjab. In 1849, the diamond found its way into the British Crown Jewels when ten-year-old Maharaja Duleep Singh was convinced to surrender it to Queen Victoria during the annexation of the Punjab region of India. Since then, the Koh-i-Noor has remained part of the British Crown Jewels, evoking a symbol associated with the pain and humiliation of a colonial past for many.
Ahluwalia shared, “My connection to Koh-i-Noor is perhaps similar to children growing up in South Asia, hearing about the lore and star-status of the Koh-i-Noor. My mother would call my siblings and I, her “Koh-i-Noor”. Her expression simply means that we are her most precious gems. As a jewellery designer and artist I have the privilege to hold some of the most coveted and historic diamonds. But not the elusive Koh-i-Noor. For as long as I can remember, I knew, I had to paint the Koh-i-Noor – it was my lifelong dream.”