Diamonds have been a symbol of wealth and power throughout history. Certain diamonds discovered have caused more of a stir than others even to the point of war in some cases. These diamonds are particularly large, of the highest quality, and extremely desirable.The Cullinan Diamond is the largest diamond ever to be mined, weighing an astonishing 3,106 carats. It was mined in 1905 and presented to King Edward VII in 1907. Shortly after, it was cut into 9 large stones and 100 smaller ones. All of the stones cut from the Cullinan Diamond belong to the British regalia.
The Cullinan I is the largest stone which was cut from the Cullinan Diamond. This stone is also known as the Great Star of Africa. It weighs 530 carats and is pear shaped. The stone now resides set in the British scepter.
Cullinan II is sometimes known as the Second Great star of Africa. At 317 carats, it is the second largest stone cut from the Cullinan Diamond, and is the most valuable gem in the British crown.
The Tiffany Yellow Diamond was discovered in 1878 and was mined out of the Kimberly Mine in South Africa. This diamond weighed over 287 carats in its rough form, but was reduced to 128 carats when Charles Tiffany purchased it. The Tiffany Yellow Diamond is the largest yellow diamond ever discovered. Two women have worn this famous diamond, one of whom was Audrey Hepburn.
The Centenary Diamond was mined out of Premier Mine in 1986. It weighed 599 carats in its rough state, but was cut by more than half to 273.85 carats, making it the third largest diamond to be mined out of Premier Mine. In its cut state, however, it proved itself to be a colorless and otherwise flawless diamond.
The Golden Jubilee Diamond was a rough brown stone weighing 755 carats, but cut to 545.67 carats. This diamond was considered an ugly one, and its main purpose was to be used as a tester for cutting techniques. The tools and methods developed in cutting this diamond were used to cut the previously mentioned flawless Centenary Diamond.
The Lesotho Promise was discovered in Lesotho out of the Letseng Mine in 2006. The gem weighed 603 carats upon excavation and was sold for $12.4 million. Once cut, the Lesotho Promise may sell for more than $20 million.
In 2007, the Letseng Legacy Diamond was found in the Letseng Mine. The stone received its name as a tribute to the legacy of the mine, out of which several significant historical diamonds have been mined. The diamond itself weighed 493 carats and is the 18th largest diamond found in history.
Koh-i-Noor means Mountain of Light. At one time this 105-carat diamond was the largest diamond in the world. Discovered in India, many rulers fought over its possession. Ultimately, the stone came to rest with the British as a spoil of war and now resides with the crown jewels. It became a crown jewel when Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India. The legend has it that any male who owns or wears this diamond will find misfortune and death. Contrastingly, women who possess the diamond will find great fortune. The Koh-i-Noor is the oldest diamond with historical significance known today.
Great diamonds of history hold stories and magic that is unlike any other form. They inspire mystery and bring fortune and misfortune. In any case, these incredible diamonds are a beautiful paradox.
Related Posts: