While almost every diamond is beautiful in its own way, only a fraction of a small percentage of diamonds ever found impressive enough to make history. Some of the most famous diamonds are rare exhibits of just how magnificent – and rare – a diamond can be.
The largest cut diamond in the world is the Great Star of Africa. At 530.20 carats, this Star Africa diamond was cut from the famous Cullinan diamond. The Cullinan diamond is itself the largest rough diamond ever found and totaled 3,106.75 carats. The diamond was then cut into several other smaller diamonds.
Discovered in Transvaal, South Africa in 1905, the diamond was cut by the Asscher Brothers of Amsterdam and is estimated to have been cut into 9 other large diamonds and almost 100 smaller diamonds.
Dating back centuries, the story surrounding the origins of the Orlov or Orloff diamond vary, but its existence is confirmed. Currently housed in the Diamond Treasury of Russia in Moscow, the diamond has a slightly bluish green, exceptional clarity and has a rare Mogul-cut.
Although claims of the exact carat weight of the diamond vary from 189 carats to almost 300, the diamond has not been formally weighed in many years. By official accounts of dimensions and measurement-based estimates, the diamond is more than likely around 190 carats.
Recently discovered, the Centenary Diamond was found in the Premier Mine in Africa in 1986. The rough diamond, weighing in at over 599 carats, was cut down to 273.85 carats. It took almost three years to complete the cutting in order to produce a modern cut, top color, flawless diamond.
The Centenary has a total of 247 facets (164 on the stone and 83 on its girdle) and is surpassed in carat weight only by the Great Star of Africa diamond and Lesser Star of Africa diamond, which weighs in at just over 317 carats. The Centenary diamond was unveiled at the Tower of London in May 1991.
Unarguably, one of the most beautiful diamonds in the world is the Regent. Although not one of the largest diamonds by weight, the Regent is exceptional in transparency and cut. Discovered in 1698 in India, it was acquired by Thomas Pitt, Governor of Madras.
It was then sent to England where it was cut and in 1717, the diamond was purchased by the Regent for the French Crown. The Regent has passed through several famous leaders from Louis XV to Louis XVI to 19th century figures. Today, it can be seen on permanent exhibit at the Louvre in Paris.
The Kohinoor is an oval cut gem, now a part of the British Crown Jewels. Dating back to 1304, the diamond’s name translates to “Mountain of Light.” The largest diamond in the world at one time, the 105 carat beauty was first worn by Queen Victoria and later by Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth for her coronation ceremony in 1953. It is currently kept in the Tower of London with the other British Crown Jewels.
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