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8 largest diamonds in the world

Did you know that the largest and most famous gem-quality diamond ever found is the stunning Cullinan diamond?…
8 Largest Diamonds In The World

Did you know that the largest and most famous gem-quality diamond ever found is the stunning Cullinan diamond? Discovered by Sir Thomas Cullinan in South Africa in 1905, the rough diamond weighed an incredible 3,106 carats. It was later gifted to King Edward VII of the United Kingdom and taken to Amsterdam, where it was cut into several stones. Today, the Cullinan diamond consists of nine large stones and 96 smaller ones, with two of the largest being part of the Crown Jewels. But, believe it or not, this is just one of the biggest diamonds ever found. Here’s a list of the eight largest diamonds ever discovered in nature:


The Excelsior diamond

8 Largest Diamonds In The World

The Excelsior diamond is famous for being the second-largest diamond ever found in Africa. It was discovered in 1893 at the Jagersfontein Mine near Kimberley, South Africa. This stunning blue-white diamond originally weighed around 995.20 carats and is still considered the third-largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found.


The Millennium Star diamond

8 Largest Diamonds In The World

The Millennium Star diamond is the second largest colorless diamond in the world, with the highest color rating of D. Discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1990, this stunning diamond weighs approximately 777 carats. Currently owned by the De Beers Group, it is valued at an estimated R2 billion.


The Incomparable diamond

8 Largest Diamonds In The World

In 1989, a young girl in Congo discovered a rough diamond weighing around 890 carats. She found it on a pile of rubbish and gave it to her uncle, who sold it to a diamond dealer. The diamond was later taken to Antwerp, Belgium, where skilled craftsmen spent years cutting it into a stunning yellow-brown diamond, which now weighs 407.48 carats.


The Sergio diamond

8 Largest Diamonds In The World

Although the Cullinan diamond is famous for being one of the largest gemstones ever found, the black carbonado diamond called Sergio surpasses it in carat weight. This rare black diamond, discovered in Brazil in 1893, weighs an impressive 3,167 carats.


The Woyie River diamond

8 Largest Diamonds In The World

The stunning Woyie River diamond was named after a river near Koidu in Sierra Leone, where it was discovered in 1945. Weighing 770 carats in rough form, it is considered one of the largest alluvial diamonds ever found. After the Cullinan and Excelsior diamonds, it ranks as the third largest gemstone discovered in Africa. Eventually, the Woyie River diamond was cut and polished into thirty smaller, colorless diamonds.


The Star of Sierra Leone diamond

8 Largest Diamonds In The World

The unique Star of Sierra Leone diamond was discovered on Valentine’s Day in 1972 in a river near Koidu, Sierra Leone. This rough diamond weighed around 968.9 carats and was bought by Harry Winston for R34 million. It remains the fourth-largest gem-quality diamond and one of the largest diamonds ever found through alluvial mining.


The Golden Jubilee diamond

8 Largest Diamonds In The World

The Golden Jubilee diamond is the world’s largest faceted diamond, weighing approximately 545.67 carats. Discovered in South Africa in 1985, this stunning gemstone received a papal blessing from Pope John Paul II. In 1997, it was gifted to the King of Thailand after specialists spent years cutting and polishing it. Today, the Royal Family of Thailand owns this remarkable diamond.


The Jonker diamond

8 Largest Diamonds In The World

The Jonker diamond, discovered by Johannes Jacobus Jonker at the Elandsfontein mine in South Africa in 1934, weighed 726 carats. This remarkable diamond was cut into 13 smaller emerald-shaped pieces, weighing around 142.90 carats. The Jonker diamond is the 16th largest emerald-cut, D-color diamond in the world, making it a notable gem in the list of fascinating gemstones.


Conclusion

the world’s largest diamonds are not just remarkable for their size but also for their unique histories and the stories behind their discoveries. From the iconic Cullinan diamond, which holds a significant place in royal history, to the breathtaking Golden Jubilee diamond, each gem tells a tale of beauty and allure. These extraordinary diamonds captivate the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts alike, symbolizing wealth, status, and the natural wonders of our planet. As we explore these magnificent stones, we gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and skill of transforming rough diamonds into stunning masterpieces.


FAQs

Q1: What is the largest diamond ever discovered?

Ans: The largest diamond ever discovered is the Cullinan diamond, which weighed an astounding 3,106 carats in its rough form. Found in South Africa in 1905, it was later cut into several gemstones, including some that are now part of the British Crown Jewels.

Q2: How did the Cullinan diamond get its name?

Ans: The Cullinan diamond is named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, who owned the mine where the diamond was discovered. It is named in honor of his contribution to the discovery.

Q3: What are some other notable large diamonds besides the Cullinan?

Ans: Other notable large diamonds include the Excelsior diamond (995.20 carats), the Millennium Star diamond (777 carats), and the Golden Jubilee diamond (545.67 carats). Each of these diamonds is famous for its size and the unique history associated with its discovery.

Q4: Where was the Millennium Star diamond found?

Ans: The Millennium Star diamond was discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1990. It is known for its exceptional color and clarity and is one of the largest colorless diamonds in the world.

Q5: What is unique about the Star of Sierra Leone diamond?

Ans: The Star of Sierra Leone, discovered in 1972, is notable for being the fourth-largest gem-quality diamond ever found. It was also one of the largest alluvial diamonds discovered, weighing approximately 968.9 carats in its rough state.

Q6: How did the Woyie River diamond get its name?

Ans: The Woyie River diamond is named after the river near Koidu in Sierra Leone, where it was discovered in 1945. It was one of the largest alluvial diamonds ever found.

Q7: What is the Golden Jubilee diamond known for?

Ans: The Golden Jubilee diamond is the world’s largest faceted diamond, weighing about 545.67 carats. Discovered in South Africa in 1985, it was presented to the King of Thailand in 1997 and holds a special place in royal collections.

Q8: How was the Jonker diamond cut and used?

Ans: The Jonker diamond, found in South Africa in 1934, weighed 726 carats before being cut into 13 smaller pieces. Each piece was cut into an emerald shape, with the diamond remaining one of the largest emerald-cut diamonds in the world.

Q9: What is the significance of the Excelsior diamond?

Ans: The Excelsior diamond, discovered in 1893 in South Africa, was the second-largest diamond ever found in the country. Weighing 995.20 carats in its rough state, it remains one of the largest gem-quality diamonds ever discovered.

Q10: How was the Star of Sierra Leone diamond valued?

Ans: After its discovery in 1972, Harry Winston purchased the Star of Sierra Leone diamond for approximately R34 million. It remains one of the largest alluvial mining diamonds and is highly valued for its size and quality.

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