[1] Its history was thought to date from the 12th century, when it was first acquired by Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Queen consort of King Louis VII of France between 1137 and 1152.

It was last owned by Austrian heiress Heidi Horten, until auctioned by Christie's in June 2023 where it sold for 6.6 million Swiss Francs.

[4] Modern reports of the diamond's history speculate that it dates to the 12th century, when it is said to have first been acquired and brought to England by Eleanor of Aquitaine, the queen consort of King Louis VII of France.

Modern sources resume the story of the diamond from the late 16th century, when Henry II of France is said to have presented it to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers.

[7] After Henry II's death, his queen consort, Catherine de Medicis, forced Poitiers to surrender the diamond as well as other jewels given her by the monarch.

The image depicts Anglo-American fashion model Penelope Tree holding the unset stone before her right eye.