The largest diamonds in the world have gained fame for being an example of how capricious nature is. Well, its discovery is not very frequent despite the fact that there are many diamond mines around the world. Thus, thanks to their value, only a few can buy or sell these one-of-a-kind gems.
But, whether they are used or preserved, their owners will always be able to show off these diamonds to the world. So we invite you to discover what are the largest diamonds of the world today.
1. Cullinan, the king among the largest diamonds
At 3,106 carats, this diamond is so far the largest in history. It was found in the year 1905, specifically in the Premier mine in South Africa and was named after the owner of the mine, Sir Thomas Cullinan. This gem was given to King Edward VII as a birthday present, who would have it cut into smaller gems.
Resulting in the process 150 different pieces that were renamed according to their weight. Being the largest, the diamond called Cullinan I or Great Star of Africa. A pear-shaped specimen of 530.20 carats that today adorns the scepter of the British monarch.
While the second piece, or Minor Star of Africa, would result in a faceted diamond of 317.40 carats, which is the second largest faceted diamond in the world. Currently, it also belongs to the British crown jewels and is located on the front of the imperial crown.
2. Sewelo
In the original Botswana language, Sewelo means «rare find». Baptized like this because it was discovered in that country in April 2019, by the Canadian company Lucara Diamond Corp. It is the second among the largest diamonds in the world thanks to its 1,758 carats of pure diamond. And it’s the size of a tennis ball; measures 83mm by 62mm by 46mm, weighs 352 grams.
It is estimated that it is more than two billion years old and was acquired by the French fashion firm Louis Vuitton. It is working with expert cutters to create an exclusive collection of jewelry.
3. Lesedi La Rona
Third place among largest diamonds in the world, it is occupied by another diamond found in the Karowe mine in Botswana. Found by workers of the Lucara Diamond Corp company, on November 6, 2015. It originally had 1,109 carats in the rough and was named Lesedi La Rona, which in the Setswana language means «our light».
It was about the size of a tennis ball and was sold in 2017 for $53 million to the Graff Diamond company. This gem was cut obtaining a 302.37 carat emerald square cut diamond.
4. The Diamond Excelsior
This bluish-white, gem-quality diamond was famous for being the largest diamond in the world. Specifically since it was discovered on June 30, 1893 until 1905, when it was dethroned by the Cullinan diamond. This diamond was found in the Jagersfontein mine in South Africa and is a rough specimen of 995.2 carats.
Although there was still no buyer for this diamond, it was cut into 10 pieces. Whose weight ranged from 13 to 70 carats each. Something that was considered an unforgivable act by a former De Beers executive. The largest of the pieces, weighing 70 carats, was sold for $2.6 million in 1996 and is part of a bracelet.
5. The star of Sierra Leone
This diamond was discovered in the Kono region, Sierra Leone. Exactly on February 14, 1972 by a group of workers from a river mine. It is a rough stone from 969, which was finally bought by the jewelry firm Harry Winston for 2.5 million dollars. The person in charge of cutting the gem was Lazare Kaplan and it was divided into 17 small pieces.
As a result, among the largest diamonds, the largest piece only totaled 54 carats due to a flaw. Six of them were incorporated into the Star of Sierra Leone brooch which was sold to an anonymous buyer in y975. While the remaining 11 diamonds were placed in various necklaces, earrings and a brooch.
6.Gem Diamonds
This still unnamed diamond was found in 2017 at the Letseng mine owned by the Gem Diamonds company. A mine that has become famous for producing some of Lesotho’s most notable and highest quality diamonds. The gem in question is a 910-carat diamond (equivalent to 182 grams), and is the size of two golf balls.
What is striking about this diamond is its color, which according to experts is type D, which means that it has an appearance similar to ice, as it is completely colorless. Which added to its Type IIa category (stones almost or completely devoid of impurities) places it at the top of the range.
Although it has not yet been sold, experts estimate that the value of this diamond could amount to 40 million dollars.
7. Diamond Golden Jubilee
This diamond was discovered in 1985 by the De Beers company, at the Premier mine in South Africa. Known for being the place where other famous diamonds such as the Centenary and the Cullinan were mined. Its gross weight was 755.5 carats (equivalent to 151 g) and it was carved in a specially designed vibration-free underground room by the prestigious cutter Gabriel Tolkowsky.
The work would take two years, but the result would be a beautiful 545.67-carat cushion-cut diamond with gold highlights. Which today is the largest cut diamond in the world. It was gifted to the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej on the fiftieth anniversary of his coronation, by a group of Thai businessmen.
It is currently displayed in the Royal Palace of Thailand as part of the crown jewels and its estimated value is 12 million dollars.
8. Diamond Jubilee
Found in 1895 at the Jagersfontein mine in South Africa. This rough stone was 650.80 carats and was shaped into an irregular octahedron with no defined faces or shapes of 245.35 carats.
It was originally known as the Reitz Diamond, after Francis William Reitz, president of the Orange Free State in South Africa. But it was renamed Jubilee after being presented to Queen Victoria in 1897, the year of his jubilee. Graded as a grade E colorless diamond, this gem is of unknown value and is currently on display at the De Beers Pavilion in Johannesburg.