Top 3 Most Expensive Diamonds
1. The Koh-i-Noor DiAmond: A Jewel of ControversY And LegAcY
The Koh-i-Noor is one of the most renowned diamonds in the world, celebrated for its remarkable history, exquisite beauty, and the controversies surrounding its ownership. Currently part of the British Crown Jewels, this 105.6-carat diamond continues to captivate and intrigue.
Origins and Historical Journey
The Koh-i-Noor's origins trace back to the Kollur Mine in present-day Andhra Pradesh, India, where it was mined during the 13th century. Its name, meaning "Mountain of Light" in Persian, reflects its legendary status. Over the centuries, the diamond passed through various hands, including Mughal emperors, Persian rulers, and Afghan kings. In 1849, following the annexation of the Sikh Empire, the diamond was ceded to Queen Victoria under the terms of the Treaty of Lahore, making it part of the British Crown Jewels.
Physical Characteristics
Weight: 105.6 carats
Dimensions: Approximately 3.6 cm long, 3.2 cm wide, and 1.3 cm deep
Colour: D (colourless), graded as the highest quality
Cut: Oval brilliant with 66 facets
Diamond Type: Type IIa, indicating exceptional purityVulcan's Forge+5GIA 4Cs+5Wikipedia+5Wikipedia
In 1852, the diamond was recut from its original weight of 186 old carats to enhance its brilliance, a process supervised by Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria. This recutting resulted in the loss of some weight but improved the diamond's overall appearance.
Ownership and Controversy
The Koh-i-Noor is currently owned by King Charles III in right of The Crown and is set in the Crown of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, which is on display in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. Its acquisition has been a subject of controversy, with several countries, including India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, claiming ownership and demanding its return. The British government maintains that the diamond was legally acquired under the Treaty of Lahore and has rejected calls for its restitution.
Cultural Significance
The Koh-i-Noor has been associated with various legends and superstitions. One such belief is that the diamond brings misfortune to male owners, leading to its tradition of being worn only by queens or female consorts. This superstition has contributed to its mystique and allure over the centuries.
2.The CullinAn DiAmond
The Cullinan Diamond, unearthed in South Africa in 1905, remains the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered, weighing an astonishing 3,106 carats (approximately 1.37 pounds or 621.35 grams). Its unparalleled size and quality have cemented its status as the most expensive diamond in the world.
Origins and Discovery
The Cullinan Diamond was found on January 26, 1905, at the Premier Mine in Cullinan, Transvaal Colony (now part of South Africa). Surface manager Frederick Wells discovered the gem 18 feet below the surface. Named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, who owned the mine, the diamond was initially displayed at the Standard Bank in Johannesburg before being sent to London for evaluation. Due to its immense value, the diamond was transported under heavy security, including decoy shipments to divert potential thieves.
Characteristics
Weight: 3,106 carats (1,370 grams)
Dimensions: Approximately 10.1 cm long, 6.35 cm wide, and 5.9 cm deep
Colour: Blue-white hue
Clarity: Contained a small pocket of air, producing a rainbow effect known as Newton's ringsStargems GroupWikipedia+1REENA AHLUWALIA+1
Experts believe the diamond formed in Earth's mantle transition zone at depths of 410660 km (255410 miles) and reached the surface over 1.18 billion years ago.
Royal Ownership and Significance
In 1907, the diamond was presented to King Edward VII of the United Kingdom as a gift from the government of the Transvaal Colony. The king accepted it "for myself and my successors," ensuring its preservation among the Crown Jewels. The Cullinan Diamond was subsequently cut into several stones, the largest of which is the Great Star of Africa (Cullinan I), a 530.2-carat pear-shaped diamond mounted in the Sovereigns Sceptre with Cross. The second-largest, Cullinan II, weighing 317.4 carats, is set in the Imperial State Crown. These iconic diamonds are part of the British Crown Jewels and are displayed in the Tower of London.
Market Value
While the Cullinan Diamond itself has not been sold, its estimated value is approximately $400 million USD. This valuation considers its historical significance, size, and the current market for high-quality diamonds. In 2023, the combined value of King Charles III's Coronation Regalia, which includes the Cullinan diamonds, was estimated at nearly $4 billion USD.
Legacy
The Cullinan Diamond's legacy continues to influence the diamond industry. The Premier Mine, where it was discovered, remains a significant source of high-quality diamonds. In 2014, a blue diamond from the same mine, known as the Cullinan Dream, sold for $25.4 million USD at Christie's New York . Additionally, in 2019, a 425-carat diamond from the mine was sold for nearly $15 million USD.
3. The Hope DiAmond: A Jewel of MYsterY And Misfortune
The Hope Diamond is one of the world's most famous and storied gemstones, renowned not only for its striking appearance but also for the legends and misfortunes associated with its history. Currently housed in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., the 45.52-carat blue diamond continues to captivate visitors and scholars alike.
Origins and Historical Journey
The Hope Diamond's origins trace back to India, where it was likely mined from the Kollur Mine in Golconda during the 17th century. French merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier acquired the diamond in 1666, describing it as a "beautiful violet" stone. In 1668, Tavernier sold the diamond to King Louis XIV of France, who had it recut into a 67.125-carat stone known as the "French Blue." The diamond became part of the French Crown Jewels and was worn by French royalty during ceremonial occasions.
Following the French Revolution, the French Blue was stolen, and its whereabouts remained unknown for several decades. In the early 19th century, a blue diamond surfaced in London, which was eventually acquired by British banker Henry Philip Hope in 1839, giving the diamond its current name.
Physical Characteristics
Weight: 45.52 carats
Colour: Fancy Deep Grayish-Blue
Clarity: VS1
Cut: Cushion antique brilliant
Boron Content: Approximately 1.7 parts per million, giving the diamond its blue hueAngara+3Natural Diamonds+3WIRED+3
The Hope Diamond's unique coloration results from trace amounts of boron within its crystal structure, a characteristic shared by only a small percentage of diamonds. Additionally, the diamond exhibits red phosphorescence under ultraviolet light, adding to its allure.
Ownership and the Curse
Over the centuries, the Hope Diamond has passed through the hands of various owners, many of whom experienced misfortune. While some of these stories are anecdotal, they have contributed to the diamond's reputation as a cursed object.
Notable owners include:
King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette: Both were executed during the French Revolution, and their crown jewels, including the French Blue, were stolen.
Henry Philip Hope: Acquired the diamond in 1839; his family faced financial difficulties and personal tragedies.Live Science
Evalyn Walsh McLean: Purchased the diamond in 1912; her life was marked by personal losses and financial ruin.PBS: Public Broadcasting Service
In 1949, jeweler Harry Winston purchased McLean's entire jewelry collection, including the Hope Diamond. Winston later donated the diamond to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958, where it has remained on public display.
Cultural Significance and Display
The Hope Diamond is not only a remarkable gemstone but also a symbol of the rich history of royal and aristocratic Europe. Its journey from Indian mines to the courts of France, and eventually to the United States, reflects the global movement of treasures and the intertwining of history and legend.
At the Smithsonian, the Hope Diamond is displayed in a specially designed setting that allows visitors to view the diamond from multiple angles. The display is part of the museum's gem and mineral collection, which showcases the natural beauty and scientific significance of gemstones.
