Large gemstones and rare diamonds touted by royalty and celebrities today always give us pause and wonder what we may be missing in our own jewelry collections. All of Hollywood flashes large jewels and unheard of diamonds on a regular basis, and even mainstream jewelry designs are reaching for larger stones and more sparkle for everyday wear in America. The common story of the newest star’s 13 carat engagement ring leaves us wondering how big is too big, and what size is actually possible.
History was made recently when a 478 carat diamond was unearthed in southern Africa. The founded rock is thought to be one the largest and highest in quality when compared to historical records. As mined diamond carat weights get larger, it is harder to find the high quality that today’s jewelry enthusiast demands. Against preconceived notions, this diamond was found to have the highest color rating, D, available for a non-colored diamond. Experts believe it is quite possible to render a 100 carat stone or larger from this rare beauty. The combination of both size and quality is considered to be the first ever in history. This huge diamond ranks as the 20th largest rough diamond ever unearthed, but larger have been found in the same area. A 603 carat gem was found in 2006, and a 493 carat diamond discovered there in 2007. A previous find of 601 carats in 1960 in this country has also been recorded.
The Cullinan Diamond, another diamond found in southern Africa, totaled 3,106 carats, and was cut into 105 separate stones. The Star of Africa was the largest fruit of this separation, and totaled 530 carats. King Edward VII of England set this monster diamond in his scepter in 1907, and it is now kept in the Tower of London with all the other British Crown Jewels.
The Hope Diamond has an infamous reputation, and it presents itself as a necklace rather than a single stone. An ocean blue, 44 carat center diamond is surrounded by 16 white diamonds, and this pendant dangles from a chain of yet 45 more white diamonds. When exposed to ultraviolet light, the blue stone radiates a reddish aura. This legendary stone is presently on display for public viewing at the Smithsonian.
The Excelsior Diamond weighs 995 carats, and was also found in Africa in 1893. The original rough diamond was carved into 21 diamonds, the largest of which was 69 carats, and sold to private parties. The Excelsior was named so because of the original rough stone’s shape; it was flat on one side, and rose to a mountainous peak on the other. The namesake Excelsior can be directly translated to mean “higher”.
The Regent Diamond, found in India’s Kistna River in 1701, weighed 410 carats. The original owner sent it to England to be cut and polished, and this requisition resulted in a 140 carat cushion cut stone. He then sold it to the Duke of France, where it was named The Regent. The royal family used this diamond through many generations, and displayed it in King Louis XV’s crown, Queen Marie’s hair, and Marie Antoinette’s hat. The Regent later found a home set in Napoleon Bonaparte’s sword. Marie Louisa, Napoleon’s wife, later took the stone to Austria after he died. The Regent now lies at the Louvre in the French Royal Treasury, as Marie’s father returned the stone to the French Crown Jewels.
The Taylor-Burton Diamond is a 69 carat, pear-shaped wonder that was originally purchased for $1,050,000 at auction. The stone was named for the combination of Richard Burton, who subsequently purchased the stone, and Elizabeth Taylor, the intended recipient of the diamond. The public first set their eyes upon the gem when Taylor wore it to Princess Grace’s 40th birthday bash. She later sold the diamond to build a hospital, and it is now privately owned.
Many of today’s current trends and jewelry fashions call for larger stones and rare, colored diamonds. Only a few diamonds have reached legendary status, yet Hollywood tells us a larger stone is always better. Although every diamond can not be a part of history, they can be used to express our individual tastes and modern styling with any design. Fashionable and modern cuts such as rose, trillion, cushion, pear, oval, emerald, heart and princess are coveted at any carat weight. Focal point diamonds are preferred to be accented with baguette, channel settings, or pav́e bands. Every color imaginable is available to increase the star power of any diamond. Red, pink, canary yellow, blue, gray, black and chocolate are the newest varieties. Royal gems and natural stones complement today’s fashions, which are typically set in textured and colored platinum, white and rose gold, titanium or silver. Researching timeless and legendary diamonds will help you determine which qualities are most important to include in your new jewelry pieces. Combine the royal feel of a large carat weight or colored diamond with a trendy meeting of current metals and styling for your new, unique addition.
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