One of the Rarest of Diamonds is Now on Display in New York

Colored diamonds are some of the most sought-after exquisite gems available and many of the blue one’s that we see are never for sale and always seemingly eventually end up in museums or on display where many feel they truly belong. It is not often that they come up for viewing either, which is truly a shame. Well, that curiosity for beautiful blue diamonds has resulted in the display of one of the largest blue diamond’s ever found. Known as the WiIttelsbach-Graff Diamond, this 31.06 carat beauty is now on display in New York at the American Museum of natural History. This amazing diamond, which is a bit smaller than the world-renown Hope Diamond, is rarely displayed, so this sneak peek is one that is sure to draw visitors and spur even more interest in these rare gemstones. The Hope Diamond, at 45.52 carats is the world’s largest blue diamond and has a permanent home at the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum, about 3 hours from the WiIttelsbach-Graff Diamond.

Blue diamonds are formed in the same way that white diamonds are created, with the addition of an element such as boron, which makes diamonds appear blue or gray. Red, yellow, and black diamonds are also rare and contain trace elements that give them this color change. These fancy colored stones have a separate grading scale from white diamonds due to the color within them and they must be graded accordingly. In many circles, colored diamonds are considered the most desirable, with high-quality stones fetching tens of thousands of dollars per carat. The WiIttelsbach-Graff Diamond, for instance, was purchased for over $24 million in 2008 and was re-cut from its original size of 35.56 carats to its current size. This choice was made by its owner to increase its clarity and color so that it would be better looking for eventual display purposes. The enhancement may have decreased the size, but its beauty has been increased.

This rare blue diamond was originally found quite a long time ago, in the mid-1600’s in India, where many of the nicer fancy colored diamonds have been discovered. It was owned by royalty and has disappeared from sight on several occasions. A few royal families in Europe have possessed the stone and it was eventually confiscated in 1931 from the WiIttelsbachs. It was kept in seclusion with only one single display period until being sold to Laurence Graff for the record setting price in 2008, the highest price paid for a diamond or gemstone sold at auction. With an amazing history behind it, this magnificent blue diamond belongs in a museum where people can enjoy its rich history and bask in its sheer beauty. Over the years, while other things age and lose their beauty, this diamond will continue to shine on and bring the feeling of love and exquisiteness forever as diamonds are the hardest natural material known and can truly stand the test of time.