United News of Bangladesh

Gold and diamonds worth Tk 46 lakh were stolen from a gold shop on early Monday. Seven to eight youths, aged between 20 and 30, broke into the shop "Shorno Bhubon" between 5:30 am and 6 am on Monday and looted 40 tolas of gold and diamonds worth Tk 5 lakh. Read : Youth beaten dead on suspicion of theft in Kushtia Badal, one of the staff members of a nearby grocery shop, found the locks of the gold shop broken at 7 am and immediately informed Manik Lal Mazumder, owner of the gold shop, and his family about the incident. The shop is located next to Hasan Ali Government High School on the Cumilla Road of Chandpur district. The CCTV footage showed that it took only seven to eight  minutes for the robbers to steal the jewelries. Read : DB nabs motorcycle theft gang Sanjay Saha, an artisan at the gold shop,said he closed the shop and locked it in front of the shop owner at 10 pm the previous day, like he always does. Sheikh Mohsin Alam, officer-in-charge of Sadar Model Police Station, and his team came after he came to know about the theft. CID and PBI officials went to the shop  to investigate about the incident. The shop owner told UNB that he has been in business in this area for almost two years. He suffered a loss of Tk46 lakh in the theft. Read : 2 physicians, 2 others sued over newborn theft from hospital in Rajshahi  He said the thieves took no money. Their target was only gold and diamonds. The OC said an investigation is underway. The shop owner is yet to file a case.

Gemstones, the beautiful creations of mother nature, have fascinated humans for centuries. These alluring stones have been treasured, often finding their way into exquisite jewellery pieces to adorn people. In ancient civilizations, gemstones were believed to possess mystical properties that bring good health, fortune, prosperity, etc. Even today, the enchantment of gemstones persists, and they continue to hold a special place in the hearts of jewellery enthusiasts. What Makes a Stone Precious? Beauty Beauty elevates a gemstone's preciousness. The mesmerizing inner reflection of light, aura and color grading of gemstones captivate hearts. For example, sapphire is renowned for its intense color and brilliance. It is one of the most precious gemstones used for making unique jewellery pieces worldwide.  Rarity One of the most crucial factors that make a gemstone precious is its rarity. Gemstones that are found in limited quantities are highly sought after and command higher prices in the market. The pink diamonds' scarcity has elevated its value, establishing it as a prized and precious gemstone. Read more: Gold vs Diamond: Which Should You Choose for Investment? Clarity The clarity of a gemstone refers to the absence of internal flaws. Stones with excellent clarity are considered more valuable as they allow for better light reflection and a more dazzling appearance. For instance, blue topaz is popular for its exceptional transparency. Durability Durability adds to a gemstone's preciousness, ensuring that it can withstand the test of time and wear. Diamonds, known for their exceptional hardness, are not only shiny but also a symbol of enduring love, making them highly valued and cherished gemstones. Acceptability Acceptability is another component of a gemstone's preciousness as it gains recognition and admiration among jewellery enthusiasts. Ruby is cherished for its deep red hue and historical significance. Its widespread appeal and cultural significance have made it a precious gemstone. Cut The cut enhances a gemstone's preciousness by maximizing its brilliance and visual appeal. A perfectly cut diamond exemplifies this. It reflects light in a brilliant display of beauty. A skillfully executed cut gemstone is prized for fine jewellery. Read more: Gold Buyer's Guide: Know the types, colors, karats of the precious metal What are the Most Precious Gemstones in the World? Diamond Diamond, the king of gemstones, is renowned for its unmatched beauty and durability. Its clarity and exceptional light dispersion make it a symbol of purity and eternal love. 

Are you considering investing in precious materials but unsure whether to choose gold or diamonds? Understanding their key differences is crucial when making investment decisions. In this article, we will weigh in on the benefits and shortcomings of both gold and diamonds. By the end, you'll have the insights you need to determine which investment aligns best with your financial goals and risk appetite. Advantages of Investing in Gold Safe-Haven Asset:  Gold is often considered a safe-haven asset during economic uncertainties and market volatility. It tends to retain its value and can act as a hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations. Diversification Benefits:  Adding gold to an investment portfolio can provide diversification benefits, as it typically has a low correlation with other assets like stocks and bonds. This can help reduce overall portfolio risk. Read more: Gold Buyer's Guide: Know the types, colors, karats of the precious metal Tangible Asset:  Gold is a physical asset that you can hold in the form of coins, bars, or jewellery. This tangibility can provide a sense of security and ownership compared to other investments like stocks or bonds.

A pink diamond was sold for $49.9 million in Hong Kong on Friday, setting a world record for the highest price per carat for a diamond sold at auction. The 11.15-carat Williamson Pink Star diamond, auctioned by Sotheby’s Hong Kong, sold for $392 million Hong Kong dollars ($49.9 million). It was originally estimated at $21 million. The Williamson Pink Star draws its name from two legendary pink diamonds. The first is the 23.60-carat Williamson diamond which was presented to the late Queen Elizabeth II as a wedding gift in 1947, while the second is the 59.60-carat Pink Star diamond that sold for a record $71.2 million at auction in 2017. The Williamson Pink Star is the second-largest pink diamond to appear at auction. Pink diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable of the colored diamonds. Read: Pandora says laboratory-made diamonds are forever “This is an astounding result, proving the resilience of top diamonds in a shaky economy,” said Tobias Kormind, managing director of 77 Diamonds.   “Hard assets such as world-class diamonds have a history of performing well even in times of instability,” he said. “Some of the world’s highest quality diamonds have seen prices double over the last 10 years.”

Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, UK’s longest-reigning monarch, many Indians are demanding the return of the fabled diamond called Kohinoor or Koh-i-noor that was put in a crown created for the late queen’s mother. Indian Twitterati started demanding that the 105-carat oval-shaped jewel, the name of which translates to “Mountain of Light”, be brought back to its place of origin shortly after Queen Elizabeth’s demise. Kohinoor is the focal point of the Queen Mother’s crown, and is said to be one of the most expensive jewels in existence. The diamond was found in India’s Golconda mines in the 14th century, and over the centuries, it changed ownership several times. Kohinoor’s return has been asked by the Indian government on numerous occasions, notably once in 1947. Britain, however, has continually disputed the claims. Read: Queen Elizabeth is featured on several currencies. Now what? Who gets the crown with Kohinoor after Queen Elizabeth’s death? Several latest reports state that Queen Consort Camilla will now wear the crown with the illustrious diamond. She will be anointed at the same time as King Charles III. Will Britain ever return the Kohinoor to India? There are reportedly no intentions to return the gem. Former British Minister for Asia and the Pacific Alok Sharma stated, “The UK government believes that there aren’t any legal grounds for recovery of the diamond,” during a visit to India in 2016. How Kohinoor went to Britain from India There is a certain time when the Kohinoor first appears in the written record. Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, ordered a magnificent, gem-encrusted throne in 1628. The ornate creation took its design cues from the throne of Solomon, the legendary Hebrew king who appears in the annals of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, according to the Smithsonian Magazine. Read: King Charles III officially announced Britain’s monarch, ceremony aired live for the first time The Kohinoor diamond and the Timur Ruby were two very large gems that would eventually become the most valuable of all the precious stones that decorated the throne. The diamond was set in the head of a gleaming gemstone peacock at the very top of the throne. Such wealth caught the interest of other kings in Central Asia, such as Nader Shah of Persia. Invasion of Delhi by Nader Shah in 1739 claimed tens of thousands of lives and depleted the Mughal Empire’s finances. Nader supposedly grabbed the Peacock Throne as part of his loot, but he took out the Kohinoor diamond and the Timur Ruby to wear on a wristband, the Smithsonian Magazine feature adds. Read: What’s next for the UK as King Charles III starts his reign The Kohinoor diamond would spend 70 years away from India, in what would eventually become Afghanistan. In one tragedy after another, it changed hands between several kings, including one who blinded his own son and another who was overthrown and had his head covered in molten gold. After years of conflict, the diamond made its way back to India and was acquired by the Sikh king Ranjit Singh in 1813. Singh’s specific affinity for Kohinoor solidified the gem’s aura of status and power. Following Ranjit Singh’s passing in 1839, the crown was held by four different people during a period of four years. At the end of all the chaos, just a boy named Duleep Singh and his mother Rani Jindan remained in line for the crown. The British, who had by then solidified their grasp on India, forced Duleep to sign a legal document, requiring the 10-year-old boy to give up the Kohinoor and all claims to sovereignty, the Smithsonian Magazine feature says. Read Stepping up: More scrutiny for next generation of royals From that point forward, Queen Victoria was the proud owner of the diamond. Victoria wore Kohinoor as a brooch, but it later became a piece of the Crown Jewels.

Tokyo, Oct 26 (AP/UNB) — Japanese police are investigating a 200 million yen ($1.84 million) diamond allegedly stolen from an international jewelry trade show near Tokyo.