Due to their striking beauty, cut diamonds are among the most prized gemstones in the jewelry world. 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 only in the possession of 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 in 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 the Cullinan. With a gross and uncut weight of 755.5 carats (equivalent to 151 g), this stone was cut by the renowned 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, since I would obtain a beautiful 545.67-carat cushion-cut diamond with gold reflections. 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 his fiftieth coronation anniversary.
After being handed over, it became part of the crown jewels, and is currently on display at the Royal Palace in Thailand. His estimated value is $12 million.
2. Cullinan I or Star of Africa I
In the year of 1905, also in the Premier mine of South Africa an impressive diamond would be found. It was a 3,106-carat specimen, which is the largest in history so far. Which was baptized as 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, which 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 pear-shaped specimen of 530.20 carats that was mounted on the scepter of the British monarch. It is currently on display along with the rest of the United Kingdom’s Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.
3. The matchless diamond
With a striking yellow-brown color and 407.48 carats, the Incomparable diamond ranks as the third largest cut diamond in the world. Although it may seem incredible, the exact origin of this gem is unknown. It was found by a young Congolese woman in 1989 among a pile of garbage. Before being sent for carving in Antwerp, Belgium, the original rough stone weight was 890 carats.
In the process, however, one large stone dubbed the Peerless 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 purchasers.
4. Cullinan II or Lesser Star of Africa
It should come as no surprise to anyone that the largest gem-quality diamond ever found has 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 diamond or Lesser Star of Africa.
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
Reaching fifth place in our count we find a huge diamond found in 2015 in 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 company Nemesis International, located in Dubai. However, its whereabouts were unknown until, in 2019 at the Dubai Diamond Conference, Nemesis revealed a spectacular 313-carat emerald-cut diamond.
Baptized as The Constellation I, at the time of its presentation. I put the Nemesis company in a place of honor, being the largest D-color diamond ever graded by the GIA. And also earning the recognition of being the first stone of importance elaborated in the United Arab Emirates. This is because most of the cutting and polishing was done in that country.
6. Diamond Spirit of Grisogrono
In addition to being the sixth largest cut diamond in the world. This extraordinary 312 carat diamond holds the distinction of being known as the world’s largest cut black diamond. 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, little is known about its current location, since according to rumors the ring was sold. Although its owner is unknown.
7. Graff Lesedi La Rona
The discovery of this diamond takes us back to the year 2015, at the Lucara Karowe mine in Botswana, specifically on November 6. Weighing 1,109 rough carats, it immediately made history as the largest gem-quality diamond ever discovered. Since the Cullinan diamond was revealed in 1905, of course.
Even more amazing 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 sent it to be carved, taking the cutting and polishing process 18 long months.
Its transformation would finally be revealed, in a magnificent collection of 67 diamonds, including the historic 302.37-carat D-color 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.
Without a doubt these cut diamonds secured their place in the history of diamonds. But it is impossible not to ask ourselves, will they be surpassed in the not too distant future? We’ll just have to wait and see, as only time will tell when the next ones will be revealed.