Due to their striking beauty, cut diamonds are among the most prized gemstones in the world of jewelery. While many have been mined since the first diamonds were discovered, only a few hold the distinction of being the largest cut diamonds. Since, in some cases, despite being very large rough stones, after being cut it is possible that defects are discovered that require a new cut and affect the final size.
Obviously, the largest cut diamonds in the world are in the hands of only a few, but they are still admired and famous throughout the world. So, if you are a lover of gemstones and especially diamonds, we invite you to take a look at the largest cut diamonds in the world.
1.The Golden Jubilee Diamond
This diamond was discovered by the De Beers company in 1985, specifically at the Premier Mine in South Africa. Which is famous for having produced some of the largest and most famous diamonds in the world including the Centenary and Cullinan. With a gross and uncut weight of 755.5 carats (equivalent to 151g), this stone was carved by the prestigious cutter Gabriel Tolkowsky, in a specially designed, vibration-free underground room.
Although the carving work would take two years, the result would be worth it, as you would obtain a beautiful diamond with golden reflections in cushion cut of 545.67 carats. Which currently ranks as the largest cut diamond in the world. This huge diamond was gifted by a group of Thai businessmen to the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of his coronation.
After being delivered, it became part of the crown jewels, and is currently on display in the Royal Palace of Thailand. Its estimated value is 12 million dollars.
2. Cullinan I or Star of Africa I
In 1905, an impressive diamond would also be found in the Premier Mine in South Africa. It was a 3,106-carat specimen that is so far the largest in history. Which was named Cullinan in honor of the owner of the mine, Sir Thomas Cullinan. The gem was given to King Edward VII as a birthday present, who decided to have it cut into smaller gems.
In the carving process, 150 different pieces would be obtained that were renamed according to their weight. Resulting in one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, the diamond called Cullinan I or Great Star of Africa. A wonderful 530.20 carat pear-shaped specimen that was mounted on the scepter of the British monarch. It is currently on display alongside the rest of the UK Crown Jewels in the Tower of London.
3. The incomparable diamond
With a striking yellow-brown color and 407.48 carats, the Peerless Diamond ranks third among the largest cut diamonds in the world. Although it seems incredible, the exact origin of this gem is unknown, which was found by a young Congolese in 1989 among a pile of garbage. Before being sent for carving in Antwerp, Belgium, the original weight of the rough stone was 890 carats.
However, in the process, a large stone named the incomparable diamond and fourteen smaller satellite stones would result. However, the location of this diamond is unknown, but it is believed to be part of the private collection of one of its original buyers.
4. Cullinan II or the Second Star of Africa
It should come as no surprise to anyone that the largest gem quality diamond ever found also resulted in two of the largest cut diamonds in the world. Well, among the 150 pieces obtained from the Cullinan diamond there is also a faceted diamond of 317.40 carats. Which is the second largest faceted diamond in the world, of course we are talking about the Cullinan II or the Second Star of Africa diamond.
Obviously, it also belongs to the British crown jewels and is mounted on the front of the Imperial Crown of the United Kingdom.
5. The Constellation I diamond
Coming to fifth place in our count we find a huge diamond found in 2015 at the Karowe mine in Botswana. We are referring to an exceptionally pure Type IIa diamond owned by the Canadian company Lucara Diamond Corp, originally weighing 813 carats, called The Constellation.
The diamond in question was sold in 2016 to the Dubai-based Nemesis International company. However, its whereabouts were unknown until, at the 2019 Dubai Diamond Conference, Nemesis revealed a spectacular 313-carat emerald-cut diamond.
Baptized as The Constellation I, at the time of its presentation. It placed the Nemesis company in a place of honor as the largest D-colour diamond ever rated by the GIA. And also earning the recognition of being the first stone of importance made in the United Arab Emirates. This is because most of the cutting and polishing was done in that country.
6. Spirit of Grisogrono Diamond
Besides being the sixth among the largest cut diamonds in the world, this extraordinary 312 carat diamond holds the distinction of being known as the largest cut black diamond in the world. Found in a mine in the Central African Republic, the diamond was cut from a 587-carat rough stone. After being cut, the Spirit of Grisogrono was placed in a ring surrounded by 702 smaller white diamonds. However, it is true what is known about its current location, because according to rumors the ring was sold. Although it is not known who is its owner.
7. Graff Lesedi La Rona
The discovery of this diamond dates back to 2015, at the Lucara Karowe mine in Botswana, specifically on November 6th. Weighing in at 1,109 raw carats it immediately made history as the largest gem quality diamond ever discovered. Of course since the Cullinan diamond was revealed in 1905.
The most amazing thing is that it was a diamond identified as Type IIa, which comprises only 1-2% of all diamonds found. Which are the most chemically type of diamond and are almost completely devoid of impurities.
The Lesedi La Rona would end up being sold to the renowned Laurence Graff, president of Graff Diamond. Who is known to have acquired more important diamonds than any other jeweler. Who ordered it to be carved, the cutting and polishing process taking 18 long months.
Its transformation would eventually be revealed, into a magnificent collection of 67 diamonds, including the historic 302.37-carat D-colour Graff Lesedi La Rona. Which is currently the largest clarity and color diamond ever certified by the GIA. As well as the largest square emerald cut diamond in the world.
Certainly these cut diamonds secured their place in diamond history. But it is impossible not to ask ourselves: Will they be surpassed in the not too distant future? We will have to wait and see, as only time will tell when the next ones will be revealed.