There is only one other diamond, the Dresden Green, which comes close to the Hope Diamond in rarity and uniqueness. The 41-carat Dresden Green-the largest and finest natural green diamond ever found, has long been considered a "sister" to the Hope Diamond, which it closely matches in size, intensity of color, and historical importance.

Diamonds when they first come to mind are generally white or colourless. They are highly valued for being as white or colourless as possible. However, even more valuable, partially due to their rarity, are fancy diamonds. This refers to diamonds that come in a range of colours such as red, dark blue, pink, green, amber and canary yellow. Diamonds of a definite colour are extremely rare.

The Dresden Green derives its name from the capital of Saxony where it has been on display for more than two hundred years. The diamond was believed to have originated in the diamond mines in the district of Golconda in India

CHRONOLOGY OF THE DRESDEN GREEN

• Prior to 1726-The diamond is brought to London, England from India
• 1726-The green diamond in the rough is offered for sale for L30,000
• 1742-The Court jeweller is commissioned to create the Golden Fleece (rendering of piece above)
• 1768-The stone is remounted in the piece as it exists today
• 1945-Russia conquers Germany and removes the stone to Russia
• 1958-The piece is returned to Germany
• 2000-The Dresden Green travels to the Smithsonian Institute in the United States for a special exhibit alongside the Hope Diamond.