Diamonds have long been considered one of Earth’s most precious and sought-after gemstones. For centuries, any great nobleman considered it an honor to have a giant diamond, and diamonds adorned the crowns and scepters of kings. It was believed that these beautiful minerals not only adorned the owner but also attracted him financially, making him even richer. Their extraordinary rarity forced wars and assassination attempts, and beautiful ladies were ready to give half their lives just to show off such a jewel at least once.
While diamonds come in many shapes and sizes, some are truly exceptional in size and value. These extraordinary gems have been discovered all over the world, and they have captured the imagination of people for centuries. In this article, we look at the 10 largest diamonds ever found, each with its unique story and charm.
1. Sergio – 3167 carats
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The black gemstone known as the Sergio has a fascinating history dating back to its discovery in 1895 in the Bahia region of Brazil. This magnificent stone stands out for its impressive size, as it weighs 3,167 carats in its rough form, firmly establishing its reputation as the largest rough diamond in the world. However, the story of Sergio is not only one of extraordinary size but also of the enormous difficulties that deter jewelers from attempting to cut and polish this mysterious gem.
Upon closer examination, jewelry experts discovered a number of internal cracks in the Sergio that complicated the difficult process of turning it into a polished diamond. These cracks represented a huge obstacle, as any wrong step during cutting could lead to the gem shattering. Moreover, Sergio’s irregular shape added an extra layer of complexity, making it an even greater challenge for skilled craftsmen. So, despite its enormous potential value, Sergio remained untouched and unconquered by the hands of artisans.
The mysticism surrounding Sergio adds to the intriguing speculation about its possible meteoric origin. The gem’s unique black hue and special characteristics have fueled debate about whether it could have formed in the depths of space, further shrouding this colossal diamond in an aura of cosmic mystery. Despite its unresolved fate and unanswered questions, the Sergio is a testament to the enduring appeal and untapped potential of nature’s greatest creations.
2. Cullinan Diamond – 3106.75 carats
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The Cullinan Diamond is an absolute marvel of nature, standing as one of the largest gem-quality diamonds ever discovered. This extraordinary gem boasts an awe-inspiring weight of 3,106 carats, equivalent to a staggering 621.35 grams. Its incredible journey began in 1905 when it was unearthed in the Premier Mine, nestled in the mineral-rich depths of South Africa. This monumental diamond was given its name in honor of Sir Thomas Cullinan, the esteemed owner of the mine.
Yet, the Cullinan Diamond’s tale took an intriguing turn in 1908 when it was split into several smaller diamonds. This transformative event occurred under the skilled hands of Joseph Asheron, a momentous occasion witnessed by prominent jewelers of the era. The outcome of this daring feat was nothing short of astonishing, resulting in nine sizable stones and an impressive 96 smaller ones. Among these remarkable fragments, the most illustrious is the Cullinan I, affectionately known as the “Great Star of Africa,” which presently resides within the regal confines of the British Crown Jewels, a symbol of both the diamond’s grandeur and its historical significance.
3. Lesedi La Rona – 1111 carats
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Discovered in 2015 at the Karowe mine in Botswana, the Lesedi La Rona is a true marvel of nature. As the third largest gem-quality diamond ever found, its size is astonishing, weighing an incredible 1,111 carats (equivalent to a jaw-dropping 221.18 grams). Imagine holding a diamond the size of a tennis ball in your hand! With its flawless clarity and exceptional color, this extraordinary gemstone sent shockwaves through the world of gemology and auctions alike.
Its financial value adds an extra layer of intrigue to this remarkable discovery. When the Lesedi La Rona was sold in 2017, it commanded a staggering price of over $53 million. This auction price reflected its sheer size and the rarity of such a gem-quality diamond. Indeed, the Lesedi La Rona’s significance extends beyond its monetary worth, as it has become a symbol of the incredible geological wonders hidden beneath the Earth’s surface, waiting to be unearthed. Moreover, Lesedi La Rona’s classification as a type IIa diamond by the Gemological Institute of the United States further highlights its exceptional nature.
Type IIa diamonds are renowned for their maximum beauty, purity of color, and pure chemical composition. Only a mere 2% of diamonds fall into this exclusive category. Thus, this diamond’s extraordinary combination of size, quality, and rarity cements its place as one of the most captivating and celebrated gemstones ever discovered in modern times.
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4. Excelsior Diamond – 995.2 carats
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The Excelsior diamond, weighing an astonishing 995.20 carats, emerged from the depths of the South African Jagersfontein mine in 1893, marking a momentous discovery in the world of gemstones. Its sheer size and brilliance were immediately apparent, drawing the attention of Sir William Crooks, a prominent London diamond merchant. Crooks secured the rough diamond and soon orchestrated its sale to a consortium of esteemed diamond dealers. Subsequently, the magnificent gem embarked on a journey to Amsterdam, where it would undergo a meticulous transformation.
In Amsterdam, expert gemologists embarked on the intricate and perilous task of cutting the colossal Excelsior diamond. This process unfolded over the course of several painstaking months. The goal was to maximize its value by crafting it into a smaller yet equally exquisite, polished stone collection. When the endeavor was complete, the Excelsior diamond had been transformed into a dazzling array of 21 polished gems.
Among these, the most remarkable were the Excelsior I, weighing an impressive 69.68 carats, and the Excelsior II, boasting a substantial 47.62 carats. These exquisite diamonds continue to captivate and adorn the world’s most treasured collections, with the Excelsior I now proudly showcased at the Royal Palace of Madrid, a testament to its enduring allure and significance.
5. Star of Sierra Leone – 969 carats
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In 1972, a remarkable discovery sent ripples through the world of gemstones—a crystal of the highest category was unearthed in the Dominico mine in Africa. This exceptional find boasted a purity level that only 1% of all diamonds could claim. Its initial weight was a staggering 969.8 carats, a rarity in itself.
A prominent New York jeweler was captivated by its allure and purchased it for $2.5 million. However, as the jeweler examined the gem more closely, a subtle imperfection became evident, prompting a decision that would forever alter the diamond’s destiny. The colossal stone was meticulously divided into 17 exquisite pieces, each possessing a unique charm and brilliance. Among these pieces, 13 stood out as flawless, and the largest among them was christened the Sierra Leone Star, a shining testament to the enduring allure of nature’s most coveted treasures.
6. Incomparable – 890 carats
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The remarkable journey of the Incomparable Diamond began with an original weight of 890 carats, making it one of the most significant rough diamonds ever unearthed. The captivating tale of its discovery is steeped in legend, as it is said to have been stumbled upon by a young girl while playing amidst the mine dumps. Upon her discovery, the girl showed the awe-inspiring gem to her uncle, who recognized its value and promptly sold it to traders. From that point on, the stone embarked on a fascinating odyssey through the world of gem trading.
As the Incomparable Diamond traversed through the hands of various traders, it was eventually acquired by Donald Zale, a representative of a prominent jewelry company. Until 1988, the diamond bore the moniker “Golden Giant.” However, it underwent a transformative moment at a Geneva auction when rechristened as the “Incomparable.” Despite the lofty starting price of $20 million, it ultimately changed ownership for a significantly lower sum, being sold for just $12 million.
In 2002, the Incomparable Diamond was again put up for sale, this time through the burgeoning platform of the Internet, with an initial asking price of $15 million. After meticulous cutting, the once-massive stone emerged as a captivating 407.48-carat yellow-brown triolet-te-shaped diamond. It was subsequently transformed into a magnificent piece of jewelry, adorning a pink gold necklace embellished with an additional 91 diamonds. The Incomparable Diamond’s captivating history and exquisite transformation underscore its enduring allure in the world of rare and precious gemstones.
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7. Constellation – 813 carats
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The Constellation diamond, originally named Constellation, emerged as a breathtaking revelation in the world of gemstones when it was discovered in 2015 by the Canadian diamond company Lucara Diamond, within the diamond-rich landscapes of Botswana. This exceptional gem, distinguished by its unparalleled beauty and rarity, was classified as a Type IIa diamond, known for its exceptional purity and transparency.
In a remarkable turn of events the following year, the Constellation found a new home when it was acquired by the Dubai-based Nemesis International, setting a stunning record with its staggering price tag of $63.1 million. This acquisition marked Constellation’s ascent to the pinnacle of the gemstone world, cementing its status as the most expensive stone ever to grace the market.
8. Koh-i-Noor – 793 carats
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One of the most notorious diamonds in history, the Koh-i-Noor diamond, boasts a storied past dating back to at least the 13th century. Its legendary journey began when it was reputedly unearthed in the fabled Kollur Mine in India. Initially, this priceless gem graced the hands of the ruling Kakatiya dynasty, serving as a symbol of power and prestige.
Over the centuries, it became a coveted prize, passing from one succeeding dynasty to the next. Throughout its turbulent history, the Koh-i-Noor diamond exchanged hands among various rulers, including Sikh, Mughal, and Persian dynasties. Each sought to claim its radiant brilliance, leading to fierce battles and conflicts that only added to its mystique.
However, the most pivotal moment in its history occurred in 1849 during the Second Anglo-Sikh War, when Queen Victoria emerged victorious, securing the diamond for the British East India Company. Consequently, in 1852, Prince Albert made a historic decision to reshape the Koh-i-Noor into a breathtaking 186-carat oval-cut diamond. Remarkably, this illustrious gem remains in the possession of the British crown, a symbol of an empire’s far-reaching influence and enduring fascination.
9. The Great Mogul Diamond- 787 carats
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The Great Mogul Diamond, steeped in India’s rich history, is a legendary gem that has captured the imagination of gemologists and historians alike. Its remarkable journey began in the heart of India, more precisely in the Golconda region, during the mid-17th century. This spectacular diamond weighed an astonishing 787 carats and boasted a distinctive blue hue that set it apart from its contemporaries. However, through the artistry of skilled gem cutters, it underwent a transformative process, emerging as a breathtaking rose-shaped gem, roughly the size of half an egg and weighing a still-impressive 280 carats.
For centuries, the Great Mogul Diamond remained in the possession of the mighty Mughal dynasty, a symbol of their opulence and power. Yet, its history took a mysterious turn in 1747 when records about its whereabouts ceased, plunging it into an enigmatic obscurity that persists. Intriguingly, some accounts suggest the massive gem may have been recut into smaller diamonds, potentially giving rise to famous gems like the Orlov and the Koh-i-Nur. This fabled diamond, carrying with it the echoes of wars and tumultuous times, continues to be a subject of fascination and speculation in the world of precious gemstones.
The Great Mogul Diamond derives its name from the illustrious Mughal Empire, which ruled India during the era when the diamond is believed to have been discovered. However, the diamond’s origins remain ambiguous, with conflicting narratives about its finding, ownership, and ultimate disappearance. Some tales recount its origin in India’s Kollur Mine, where it gleamed as a rare and colossal treasure. Over time, it passed through the hands of several Mughal emperors, adding to its mystique. Yet, the exact circumstances of its vanishing act continue to elude historians, enveloping this remarkable gem in a shroud of historical intrigue and speculation.
More: 7 Things You Must Know Before Purchasing a Diamond
10. Millennium Star – 777 carats
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Originally unearthed in the Mbuji-Mayi mine of the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1990, the Millennium Star emerged as a true marvel of nature, boasting an awe-inspiring weight of 777 carats in its rough, uncut state. Recognizing its extraordinary potential, De Beers, a renowned diamond company with a legacy in the industry, acquired this remarkable diamond. To unlock its full splendor, the Steinmetz Group meticulously cut and shaped this colossal gemstone, resulting in a breathtaking 203.04-carat, D-Flawless pear-shaped diamond. The process was laborious, spanning three years, as the craftsmen worked with unparalleled precision to transform this diamond into a masterpiece of unparalleled brilliance.
Yet, the story of the Millennium Star doesn’t end with its stunning pear-shaped centerpiece. The Steinmetz Group also unveiled a heart-shaped gem within this exceptional gem, a mesmerizing 27.64-carat fancy vivid blue diamond radiating with an enchanting azure hue. Furthermore, the diamond yielded a constellation of 11 exquisite blue diamonds, totaling 118 carats.
These vibrant blue diamonds, each unique in their own right, added a profound depth to the legacy of the Millennium Star, showcasing the unparalleled artistry and expertise involved in their creation. Together, these diamonds form a testament to the enduring allure and beauty of the world’s most precious gemstones, capturing the hearts and imaginations of all who encounter them.
These ten diamonds represent some of the largest and most exceptional gemstones ever discovered on our planet. Their beauty, rarity, and historical significance continue to captivate people worldwide. Whether adorning the crowns of monarchs or dazzling in the collections of private individuals, these diamonds serve as enduring symbols of luxury and magnificence in the world of precious gemstones.
What makes these ten diamonds so exceptional?
These ten diamonds are exceptional due to their extraordinary size, stunning beauty, rarity, and historical significance. They are among the largest gemstones ever discovered on Earth, making them highly coveted in the world of precious gems.
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