<P> Members of the public were given a chance to see the Koh - i - Noor when The Great Exhibition was staged at Hyde Park, London, in 1851 . It represented the might of the British Empire and took pride of place in the eastern part of the central gallery . </P> <P> Its mysterious past and advertised value of £ 1--2 million drew large crowds . At first, the stone was put inside a gilded birdcage, but after complaints about its dull appearance, the Koh - i - Noor was moved to a case with black velvet and gas lamps in the hope that it would sparkle better . Despite this, the flawed and asymmetrical diamond still failed to please viewers . </P> <P> Originally, the diamond had 169 facets and was 4.1 centimetres (1.6 in) long, 3.26 centimetres (1.28 in) wide, and 1.62 centimetres (0.64 in) deep . It was high - domed, with a flat base and both triangular and rectangular facets, similar in overall appearance to other Mughal era diamonds which are now in the Iranian Crown Jewels . </P> <P> Disappointment in the appearance of the stone was not uncommon . After consulting various mineralogists, including Sir David Brewster, it was decided by Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, with the consent of the government, to polish the Koh - i - Noor . One of the largest and most famous Dutch diamond merchants, Mozes Coster, was employed for the task . He sent to London one of his most experienced artisans, Levie Benjamin Voorzanger, and his assistants . </P>

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