The most expensive diamonds in the world are some of the most beautiful and rare gems that have ever been found. These precious stones are not only valuable for their monetary worth, but also for their historical significance and unique properties.
The following is a list of the ten most expensive diamonds in the world:
The Cullinan Diamond
The Cullinan Diamond is the largest gem-quality diamond ever found, weighing in at 3,106.75 carats (621.35 g). It was discovered in 1905 in South Africa and was named after the mine owner, Sir Thomas Cullinan. The diamond was bought by the Transvaal Colony government and presented to King Edward VII as a birthday present. It was cut into nine major stones and 105 smaller ones, all of which are now set in the British Crown Jewels.
The Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond is one of the most famous diamonds in the world, with a long and storied history. Weighing in at 45.52 carats (9.1 g), it is the largest blue diamond in existence. The Hope Diamond was first owned by King Louis XIV of France, who had it cut into a shape known as the “Blue Heart.”
The Centenary Diamond
The Centenary Diamond is the world’s largest flawless diamond, weighing in at 273.85 carats (54.77 g). It was discovered in 1986 at the Premier Mine in South Africa and was named to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the De Beers company. The diamond was purchased by jeweler Harry Winston, who had it cut into a pear shape.
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond is a 105.6 carat (21.12 g) diamond that was found in India in the 13th century. It was originally owned by the Mogul emperors of India and was later presented to Queen Victoria in 1849 by the Sikh rulers of the Punjab.
The Regent Diamond
The Regent Diamond is a 140.64 carat (28.13 g) diamond that was found in India in the early 18th century. It was purchased by Duke of Regent in 1717 and later set into the crown of Louis XV of France.
The Sancy Diamond
The Sancy Diamond is a 55.23 carat (11.046 g) diamond that was found in India in the 16th century. It is notable for its pale yellow color and pear-shaped cut, and it is currently stored in the Louvre Museum in Paris. The diamond gets its name from Nicolas de Harlay, Sieur de Sancy, who was a French ambassador to the Ottoman Empire in the late 16th century.
The Taylor-Burton Diamond
In 1966, a pear-shaped diamond weighing 69.42 carats (13.884 g) was found in South Africa. The diamond was named after its owner, actress Elizabeth Taylor, and her husband, businessman Burton Warner. The couple purchased the diamond for $1 million (equivalent to $7.6 million today), making it the most expensive diamond ever sold at that time.
The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond
The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond is a 31.06 carat (6.212 g) blue diamond that was found in the 17th century. It is named after its previous owners, the Wittelsbach family of Bavaria and Lawrence Graff, the London jeweler who bought it in 2008.
The Pink Star Diamond
The Pink Star Diamond is a beautiful pink diamond that was found in South Africa in 1999. This diamond is a whopping 59.60 carats (11.92 g) and is considered to be one of the largest fancy vivid pink diamonds in the world.
The Blue Moon Diamond
The Blue Moon Diamond is a stunning example of the power of nature. This 12.03 carat (2.406 g) blue diamond was found in 2014 in South Africa. It is the largest known blue diamond in the world, and its color is so rare that it is often referred to as a “once in a blue moon” event.
The ten diamonds mentioned above are some of the most famous and expensive diamonds in the world. Each one has its own unique story and history, making them even more special. If you’re ever lucky enough to see one of these diamonds in person, you’ll be sure to appreciate their beauty and value.
