Diamonds are wonders of the earth having enormous beauty and features that no other jewels can compete with. Diamonds are not very rare stones, but their restricted circulation in the marketplace has made them very pricey. Small diamonds are to be found at all jewelry stores, but there are a number of diamonds that have made history with their impressive color, shape, size or well accomplished cut. Here are just a few of the most famous diamonds the world has seen.
[1] Cullinan Diamond
The Cullinan Diamond is probably one of the best-known diamonds due to the fact that it was the biggest diamond in the rough ever found, weighing 3106.75 carats back in 1905. This large gemstone was cut into several valuable pieces, namely the Cullinan I and others, today being part of the British Crown Jewels. The legacy of the Cullin stone goes back to the days before cutting a diamond was associated with precision, and being cut into pieces was no easy task for the Asscher brothers who made a large incision in the diamond before breaking it with a large blow. The defective spot was shared between each half of the diamond.
[2] The Cullin Centenary Diamond
The largest flawless and colorless cut diamond in the world is the recently discovered Centenary Diamond, weighing 273.85 carats. This heart shaped diamond gets its name from the Centennial Celebration of De Beers Consolidated Mines, an event where the diamond was presented in the rough. With much prestige and accolade the diamond is considered both flawless, unique and easy on the eye. Although well out of the reach of young couples and even celebrities, the Cullin Centenary Diamond is often compared to others that failed to attain its great stature.
[3] Millennium Star
The second largest colorless gemstone is the Millennium Star, being currently owned by De Beers as well. This diamond displays a beautiful pear shape and weighs 203.04. Found in Zaire in the early 90s the the diamond was 777 carats uncut. The diamond was cut into its pear shape, as it is today, using lasers. The diamond was nearly stolen whilst taking refuge in the Millennium Dome in London during the year 2000. The plot was unsuccessful, and to this day the diamond belongs to its original owners.
[4] Golden Jubilee
A popular naturally colored diamond is the Golden Jubilee. The thing that makes this special is not just its brownish color, but more importantly its number of carats, altogether 545.67 in its final cushion cut form. Presently, the Golden Jubilee is the largest known diamond. It is a dark sensuous brown and was in fact named the ‘Unknown Brown’ until it adopted the name that is used today. One compliant of many is the fact that no great photos exists today because of the previous owners. Many would love to see a more detailed picture, however lets hope that is still to come.
[5] Koh-i-Noor
Next up is the Koh-i-Noor, which is said to be the most valuable gem in the world. At some point, this diamond of Indian origins was the largest diamond known to man. The Koh-i Noor has a great history behind it and it is said to bring luck to women who wear it and misfortune to males. Although its ownership at certain points has been unclear, the Koh-i Noor was once seen as the pinnacle of glamour and prestige being the largest diamond in the world. Many prior owners felt that prestige would be bestowed on them by default if they were able to hold it in their hands.
[6] Ocean Dream Diamond
The Ocean dream Diamond is the only natural diamond of a Fancy Deep Blue Green color rated by the Gemological Institute of America. It is probably the rarest diamond in the world, not least for its color but also its other attributes. It is currently owned by the Cora Diamond Corporation. and was displayed along-side other famous stones at the Smithsonian’s “The Splendor of Diamonds”.
[7] Tiffany Yellow
Another colored diamond is the Tiffany Yellow, which was made famous by the movie bearing the name of the stone: Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Whether or not they do indeed serve breakfast at Tiffany’s is yet to be known. It is believed that the stone was found in either 1877 or 1878. For over 100 years it has still remained at the pinnacle of all things illustrious.
[8] The Heart of Eternity
The Heart of Eternity is part of a highly rare class of colored diamonds. It was graded as Fancy Vivid Blue and it mesmerizes with this fantastic natural color as well as its heart shape. Such vivid blue is not only rare, but also an oxymoron in the context of the heart shape in which it is cut. With deep sensual connotations and a value of around $500,000 per carrot it is no wonder The Heart of Eternity makes it in the top ten most astounding diamonds that we have been blessed with by mother earth.
[9] The Pumpkin Diamond
The Pumpkin Diamond is a relatively small gemstone (5. 54 carats), but its color makes it unique. The Fancy Vivid Orange is believed to be the largest of this hue. The intensity of color can not be fully described in words, but its richness could compel a person with the highest level of ignorance towards diamonds and aprreciation of their beauty.
[10] Regent Diamond
Last but not least, the cushion shaped Regent Diamond is highly renowned because of its history. The story goes that it was found in India, sold in France and served for the coronation of Louis XVI, the hat of Marie Antoinette and the sword of Napoleon Bonaparte. The origination of the Regent Diamond is also somewhat ironic considering its value today. It was found by an Indian slave, who needless to say, did not manage to benefit from the gem. In fact he lost his life to it, when an English Sea Captian decided to take his life to acquire it. It is now valued at just under $1 Million, however some speculate it could sell for much more than that.
While these famous beauties are owned by well-off collectors or prestigious museums, you can still admire them and go to a store and get a smaller version of a diamond that will make your day.
