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Diamond enthusiasts and collectors alike are in awe of the Cullinan Diamond, the largest and most famous gem-quality diamond ever discovered. Unearthed by Sir Thomas Cullinan in South Africa in 1905, this remarkable rough diamond weighed an astonishing 3,106 carats. Later, it was presented to King Edward VII of the United Kingdom and sent to Amsterdam for cutting, resulting in nine large diamonds and 96 smaller stones. Two of its largest pieces are now part of the British Crown Jewels.
But that’s not all! The Cullinan Diamond 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
The Excelsior Diamond holds fame as the second-largest diamond ever discovered in Africa. Unearthed in 1893 at the Jagersfontein Mine near Kimberley, South Africa, this breathtaking blue-white gem originally weighed an impressive 995.20 carats. It remains one of the largest gem-quality rough diamonds ever found, ranking as the third-largest in history.
The Millennium Star diamond
The Millennium Star Diamond is the world’s second-largest colourless diamond, boasting the highest D-color rating. Discovered in 1990 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this breathtaking gem weighs approximately 777 carats. Currently owned by the De Beers Group, its estimated value stands at an impressive R2 billion.
The Incomparable diamond
In 1989, a young girl in Congo discovered a rough diamond weighing approximately 890 carats in a pile of rubbish. She gave it to her uncle, who later sold it to a diamond dealer. The diamond was eventually taken to Antwerp, Belgium, where expert craftsmen meticulously cut it into a breathtaking yellow-brown diamond, now weighing 407.48 carats.
The Sergio diamond
While the Cullinan diamond is renowned as one of the largest gemstones ever discovered, the rare black carbonado diamond, known as Sergio, exceeds it in carat weight. Found in Brazil in 1893, this extraordinary black diamond weighs a remarkable 3,167 carats.
The Woyie River diamond
The remarkable Woyie River diamond was discovered in 1945 near the Woyie River in Sierra Leone. Weighing 770 carats in its rough form, it is regarded as one of the largest alluvial diamonds ever found. Ranking as the third-largest gemstone discovered in Africa, after the Cullinan and Excelsior diamonds, the Woyie River diamond was later cut and polished into thirty smaller, colourless diamonds.
The Star of Sierra Leone diamond
The extraordinary Star of Sierra Leone diamond was discovered on Valentine’s Day in 1972 in a river near Koidu, Sierra Leone. Weighing approximately 968.9 carats in its rough form, it was purchased by Harry Winston for R34 million. This remarkable diamond remains the fourth-largest gem-quality diamond and is among the largest diamonds ever found through alluvial mining.
The Golden Jubilee diamond
The Golden Jubilee diamond holds the title of the world’s largest faceted diamond, weighing around 545.67 carats. Discovered in South Africa in 1985, this breathtaking gemstone received a papal blessing from Pope John Paul II. After years of cutting and polishing by specialists, it was presented to the King of Thailand in 1997. Today, it remains a treasured possession of the Royal Family of Thailand.
The Jonker diamond
The Jonker diamond, found by Johannes Jacobus Jonker at the Elandsfontein mine in South Africa in 1934, originally weighed 726 carats. This exceptional diamond was later cut into 13 smaller emerald-shaped pieces, totaling about 142.90 carats. As the 16th largest emerald-cut, D-color diamond in the world, the Jonker diamond remains one of the most significant and fascinating gemstones.
Conclusion
The world’s largest diamonds are not only extraordinary for their size but also for the fascinating stories behind their discoveries. From the legendary Cullinan diamond, which holds a special place in royal history, to the mesmerizing Golden Jubilee diamond, each gem offers a unique narrative of elegance and charm. These remarkable diamonds continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts, embodying wealth, prestige, and the natural wonders of the Earth. As we delve into these magnificent jewels, we develop a greater appreciation for the artistry and expertise required to transform rough diamonds into breathtaking masterpieces.
