(This list highlights a few of the popular and top diamonds in no certain order)
Diamonds are one of the most precious and sought-after gemstones in the world. They are formed under high pressure and temperature deep within the Earth's crust and can take millions of years to form. The largest and most valuable diamonds are found in a few key locations around the world, including South Africa, Russia etc.
Over the centuries, diamonds have played an important role in history and culture. They have been used as symbols of wealth, power, and love. Some of the most famous diamonds in the world have been owned by royalty and celebrities, and have been the subject of legend and lore.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 diamonds in the world. We will learn about their characteristics, where they were found and more details.
1. Cullinan Diamond
The Cullinan Diamond is the largest rough diamond ever found, weighing 3,106.75 carats (621.35 grams) when it was discovered in the Premier Mine in Cullinan, South Africa, on January 26, 1905. It was found by Thomas Mpisane, a surface supervisor, and was named after the mine's chairman, Sir Thomas Cullinan.
The Cullinan Diamond was purchased by the Transvaal Colony government for £150,000 (equivalent to £16.5 million in 2023) and presented to King Edward VII of England as a gift for his 66th birthday. The diamond was then cut into nine large stones and 96 smaller stones, which are now part of the British Crown Jewels.
The largest stone from the Cullinan Diamond is the Great Star of Africa, which is a 530.20-carat pear-shaped diamond. It is the largest cut diamond in the world and is set in the Sovereign's Sceptre. The second largest stone is the Second Star of Africa, which is a 317.40-carat cushion-cut diamond. It is set in the Imperial State Crown.
The Cullinan Diamond is famous for its size, clarity, and color. It is also famous for its historical significance, as it is the largest rough diamond ever found and was presented to the British Crown as a gift.
The Cullinan Diamond is currently on display at the Tower of London, along with other British Crown Jewels. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London and is admired by people from all over the world.
2. Lesedi La Rona
The Lesedi La Rona is the second largest rough diamond ever found, weighing 1,109 carats (221.8 grams) when it was discovered in the Karowe Mine in Botswana on November 16, 2015. It was found by Lucara Diamond Corp and was named by the Botswana government, which means "Our Light" in the Tswana language.
The Lesedi La Rona was purchased by Graff Diamonds for $53 million in 2017. The diamond was then cut into a 302.37-carat emerald cut diamond, which is now the largest emerald cut diamond in the world.
The Lesedi La Rona is famous for its size, clarity, and color. It is also famous for its historical significance, as it is the second largest rough diamond ever found and was cut into one of the largest and most valuable diamonds in the world.
The Lesedi La Rona is currently owned by Graff Diamonds and is not on public display. However, it has been exhibited at a few select events, including the 2017 Baselworld watch and jewelry show and the 2018 Sotheby's Hong Kong auction.
The Lesedi La Rona is a truly unique and exceptional diamond. It is a testament to the beauty and rarity of these precious gemstones.
3. Excelsior Diamond
The Excelsior Diamond is the third largest rough diamond ever found, weighing 995.2 carats (199 grams) when it was discovered in the Jagersfontein Mine in South Africa on June 30, 1893. It was found by a miner named Johannes Jacobus de Bruin and was named after the mine's manager, George Phillips Excelsior.
The Excelsior Diamond was sold to the De Beers Diamond Company for £150,000 (equivalent to £18.5 million in 2023). The diamond was then cut into 21 stones, of which the largest is a 69.68-carat cushion cut diamond.
The largest stone from the Excelsior Diamond is currently owned by a private collector and is not on public display. However, some of the smaller stones from the diamond are on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
The Excelsior Diamond is a truly unique and exceptional diamond. It is a testament to the beauty and rarity of these precious gemstones.
In addition to the above, the Excelsior Diamond is also famous for its unusual shape. It was roughly the size and shape of a loaf of bread, with a flat bottom and a sloping top. This shape made it difficult to cut the diamond into perfect proportions, but the resulting stones are still very impressive.
The Excelsior Diamond is a reminder of the natural wonders of the world. It is also a reminder of the importance of mining and the people who work in this industry.
4. Star of Sierra Leone
The Star of Sierra Leone is a 969-carat rough diamond that was discovered in the Diminco Mine in Koidu, Sierra Leone, on February 14, 1972. It is the fourth-largest rough diamond ever found, and the largest alluvial diamond ever discovered.
It was the largest diamond to be discovered in Sierra Leone since the country's independence in 1961. The Star of Sierra Leone was purchased by the Harry Winston jewelry company for $2.5 million in 1972. The diamond was then cut into 17 stones, of which the largest is a 143.2-carat pear shape diamond.
The largest stone from the Star of Sierra Leone is currently on display at the Diamond Museum in Antwerp, Belgium. The other stones are in private collections.
In addition to the above, the Star of Sierra Leone is also famous for its name. The diamond was named after the country of Sierra Leone, where it was discovered. This was a symbolic gesture of the country's newfound independence and its potential as a diamond producer.
The Star of Sierra Leone is a reminder of the natural wonders of Sierra Leone and the potential of the country's diamond industry. It is also a symbol of hope and optimism for the people of Sierra Leone.
5. Koh-i-Noor
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond is a 105.6-carat oval cut diamond that is part of the British Crown Jewels. It is one of the most famous diamonds in the world.
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond is believed to have originated in India, where it was mined over 5,000 years ago. The diamond has been owned by many different rulers over the centuries, including the Mughal emperors, the Persian shahs, the Afghan emirs, and the Sikh maharajas.
In 1849, the Koh-i-Noor Diamond was presented to Queen Victoria of England as a gift from the British East India Company. The diamond was then cut and recut to enhance its brilliance and fire.
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond is currently set in the Queen Mary's Crown, which is on display at the Tower of London. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, and is admired by people from all over the world.
It has been owned by many different rulers over the centuries and is now part of the British Crown Jewels. The Koh-i-Noor Diamond is a truly unique and exceptional diamond. It is a testament to the beauty and rarity of these precious gemstones.
In addition to the above, the Koh-i-Noor Diamond is also famous for its controversial history. The diamond has been the subject of many disputes over ownership, and has been claimed by several different countries, including India, Pakistan, and Iran.
Despite its controversial history, the Koh-i-Noor Diamond remains one of the most prized and admired diamonds in the world. It is a symbol of wealth, power, and beauty.
6. Millennium Star
The Millennium Star Diamond is a 203.04-carat oval cut diamond that was discovered in the Mbuji-Mayi district of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) in 1990. It is the second largest faceted, D-color, flawless diamond in the world, after the Centenary Diamond.
The Millennium Star Diamond was purchased by De Beers in 1991 for $40 million. The diamond was then cut and polished by the Steinmetz Diamond Group, a process that took over three years.
The Millennium Star Diamond is currently on display at the De Beers Millennium Jewels exhibition, which travels around the world. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions at the exhibition, and is admired by people from all over the world.
The Millennium Star Diamond is also famous for its perfect symmetry and proportions. The diamond is also known for its fire and brilliance, which is caused by the way it reflects light.
The Millennium Star Diamond is a reminder of the natural wonders of the world and the skill of the people who work in the diamond industry. It is also a symbol of wealth, power, and beauty.
7. Woyie River Diamond
The Woyie River Diamond is a 770-carat rough diamond that was discovered in the Woyie River in Koidu, Sierra Leone, on January 6, 1945. It is the fourth largest rough diamond ever found, and the third largest alluvial diamond ever discovered.
The Woyie River Diamond was purchased by the Sierra Leone Selection Trust for £75,000 (equivalent to £3.5 million in 2023). The diamond was then cut into 30 stones, of which the largest is a 31.35-carat Victory Diamond.
The Victory Diamond is currently owned by a private collector and is not on public display. However, some of the smaller stones from the Woyie River Diamond are on display at the Diamond Museum in Antwerp, Belgium.
The Woyie River Diamond is also famous for its unusual shape. The diamond was roughly the size and shape of a hen's egg, with a flat bottom and a rounded top. This shape made it difficult to cut the diamond into perfect proportions, but the resulting stones are still very impressive.
The Woyie River Diamond is a reminder of the natural wonders of Sierra Leone and the potential of the country's diamond industry.
The Woyie River Diamond is also a reminder of the importance of diamonds in Sierra Leone. Diamonds are a major source of income for the country, and they play an important role in the economy.
8. Incomparable Diamond
The Incomparable Diamond is a 407.48-carat pear shape yellow diamond that was discovered in the Mbuji-Mayi district of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) in 1984.
The Incomparable Diamond was purchased by a private collector in 1984 for an undisclosed amount. The diamond is currently on display at the Mouawad Grand Diamond Gallery in Dubai.
The Incomparable Diamond is a truly unique and exceptional diamond. It is a testament to the beauty and rarity of these precious gemstones.
The Incomparable Diamond is famous for its setting. The diamond is set in a necklace that features 229.52 carats of white diamonds. The necklace is known as the L'Incomparable Diamond Necklace, and it is one of the most valuable necklaces in the world.
The Incomparable Diamond is a reminder of the natural wonders of the world and the skill of the people who work in the diamond industry.
9. Pink Star
The Pink Star Diamond is a 59.60-carat oval cut fancy vivid pink diamond that was discovered in the De Beers mine in Orapa, Botswana, in 1999. It is the largest fancy vivid pink diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
The Pink Star Diamond is famous for its size, color, and clarity. It is also famous for its historical significance, as it is one of the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world.
The Pink Star Diamond was purchased by Isaac Wolf in 2013 for $83 million. However, Wolf defaulted on the payment and the diamond was returned to Sotheby's. In 2017, the Pink Star Diamond was sold to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises for $71.2 million, making it the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction at the time.
The Pink Star Diamond is currently owned by Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and is not on public display. However, it has been exhibited at a few select events, including the 2017 Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and the 2018 Sotheby's Hong Kong auction.
It is also famous for its cut. The diamond is cut into an oval shape, which maximizes its brilliance and fire. The diamond also has a very high polish, which further enhances its beauty.
10. Constellation
The Constellation Diamond is an 812.46-carat rough diamond that was discovered in the Mir Mine in Yakutia, Russia, in 1985. It is the fifth largest rough diamond ever found, and the largest rough diamond found in Russia.
The Constellation Diamond was cut into 17 stones, of which the largest is a 100.06-carat marquise cut diamond. The other stones range in size from 0.5 carats to 10 carats.
The Constellation Diamond was purchased by the Russian government in 1985 and is currently on display at the Diamond Fund of Russia in Moscow.
The diamond is named after the constellation of Cygnus, which was visible in the sky on the night of its discovery. It is so pure that it is almost colorless. It has a clarity grade of IF (internally flawless).
The Constellation Diamond is one of the most valuable diamonds in the world. It is estimated to be worth over $100 million.
The ten diamonds featured in this article are just a few of the many amazing diamonds that have been found on Earth over the years. Diamonds are truly unique and special gemstones, and they continue to fascinate and amaze people all over the world.
They are a reminder of the natural wonders of the world and the skill and craftsmanship of the people who work in the diamond industry. Let us know your favourite one!
Reach out to us if you want to invest in a diamond yourself by booking a free appointment here: Book Consultation | Glaze Diamonds (glaze-diamonds.com)
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