Diamonds have long been a symbol of luxury, power, and beauty. Throughout history, these precious stones have been sought after by kings, queens, and moguls. But have you ever wondered who owns the biggest diamond in the world? The answer is not as straightforward as one might think. In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to uncover the fascinating story behind the largest diamonds and their enigmatic owners.
The Cullinan Diamond: A Record-Breaker
The Cullinan Diamond, also known as the Great Star of Africa, is widely considered the largest polished diamond in the world. Weighing an astonishing 530.2 carats, this colossal gemstone is a marvel of nature. The Cullinan Diamond was discovered in 1905 in the Premier Mine in South Africa and was later purchased by the government of South Africa. The diamond was then presented to King Edward VII of the United Kingdom, who had it cut into several smaller stones, including the Cullinan I, also known as the Star of Africa.
The Cullinan I, which weighs 530.2 carats, is currently set into the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, a ceremonial object used in the coronation of British monarchs. The Cullinan II, weighing 317.4 carats, is set into the Imperial State Crown. Both of these diamonds are part of the British Crown Jewels and are on display in the Tower of London.
The Golden Jubilee Diamond: A Thai Treasure
The Golden Jubilee Diamond is a close second in terms of size, weighing an impressive 545.67 carats. This stunning diamond was discovered in 1985 in the Premier Mine, the same mine where the Cullinan Diamond was found. The Golden Jubilee Diamond was originally known as the “Unnamed Brown” due to its unimpressive appearance. However, after being cut and polished, the diamond revealed its true beauty, showcasing a radiant golden-brown color.
In 1995, the Thai government purchased the Golden Jubilee Diamond as a gift to King Bhumibol Adulyadej to commemorate his 50th coronation anniversary. The diamond is now on display in the Royal Palace in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Orloff Diamond: A Mysterious Past
The Orloff Diamond is another contender for the largest diamond in the world, with an estimated weight of around 190 carats. The origins of the Orloff Diamond are shrouded in mystery, with some believing it was discovered in India in the 18th century. According to legend, the diamond was stolen from a Hindu temple and eventually made its way to Europe.
The Orloff Diamond has had several owners throughout its history, including various European royal families and wealthy collectors. In the 19th century, the diamond was purchased by Prince Felix Yusupov, a Russian aristocrat, who had it set into a brooch. The current whereabouts of the Orloff Diamond are unknown, leading to speculation about its ownership.
The Excelsior Diamond: A South African Giant
The Excelsior Diamond, weighing an impressive 969.8 carats in its rough state, was discovered in 1893 in the Jagersfontein Mine in South Africa. The diamond was later cut into several smaller stones, including the Excelsior I, which weighs around 245 carats.
The Excelsior Diamond has had several owners, including the De Beers company, which purchased the diamond in 1896. The current ownership of the Excelsior Diamond is unclear, with some reports suggesting it is now part of a private collection.
Other Notable Diamonds
While the above diamonds are among the largest in the world, there are several other notable diamonds worth mentioning:
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond, weighing around 190 carats, has a rich history that spans over 5,000 years. This diamond was once the largest known diamond in the world and was owned by various Indian and Persian rulers before being seized by the British East India Company in the 19th century. Today, the Koh-i-Noor Diamond is set into the British Sovereign’s coronation crown.
The Regent Diamond
The Regent Diamond, weighing around 140 carats, is one of the most famous diamonds in the world. Discovered in India in the 18th century, the diamond was owned by various European royal families before being purchased by the French government in 1818. Today, the Regent Diamond is on display in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
The Great Mogul Diamond
The Great Mogul Diamond, weighing around 280 carats, was discovered in India in the 17th century. This stunning diamond was owned by various Indian and Persian rulers before being seized by the British East India Company in the 19th century. The current whereabouts of the Great Mogul Diamond are unknown.
Conclusion
The quest for the largest diamond in the world is a fascinating journey that takes us through history, politics, and intrigue. While the Cullinan Diamond is widely considered the largest polished diamond, the Golden Jubilee Diamond rivals its size. The Orloff Diamond, Excelsior Diamond, and other notable diamonds have their own unique stories and mysteries surrounding their ownership.
Throughout this article, we’ve seen how diamonds have been coveted by royalty, moguls, and governments throughout history. These precious stones have played a significant role in shaping the course of human history, symbolizing power, wealth, and beauty.
As we continue to uncover the secrets of these magnificent diamonds, one thing is clear: the allure of diamonds is timeless, and their stories will continue to captivate us for generations to come.
| Diamond | Weight (carats) | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Cullinan Diamond | 530.2 | British Crown Jewels |
| Golden Jubilee Diamond | 545.67 | Thai Government |
| Orloff Diamond | ~190 | Unknown |
| Excelsior Diamond | ~245 | Private Collection |
Note: The weights of the diamonds mentioned above are approximate and may vary depending on the source.
Who are the mysterious owners of the largest diamonds in the world?
The mysterious owners of the largest diamonds in the world are often high-net-worth individuals or royal families who value luxury and exclusivity. They are connoisseurs of rare gemstones and are willing to pay top dollar for the most exceptional and extraordinary diamonds. These individuals often keep their identities hidden from the public eye, adding to the mystique and allure of these incredible gems.
It’s worth noting that the owners of the largest diamonds are not always individuals. Sometimes, they can be institutions, such as museums or gemstone collections, that acquire these diamonds for their historical or cultural significance. In some cases, the owners may also be private companies that deal in rare gemstones and precious jewelry.
What is the history behind the largest diamond ever discovered?
The largest diamond ever discovered is the Cullinan Diamond, also known as the Great Star of Africa. It was found in 1905 in the Premier Mine in South Africa and weighed an impressive 3,106.75 carats in its rough state. The diamond was later cut into several smaller stones, including the Cullinan I, also known as the Star of Africa, which weighs 530.2 carats and is considered one of the largest polished diamonds in the world.
The Cullinan Diamond has a rich history, having been owned by several prominent figures, including King Edward VII of the United Kingdom and Queen Elizabeth II. It is currently part of the British Crown Jewels and is on display in the Tower of London as part of the Crown Jewels collection. The discovery of the Cullinan Diamond marked a significant milestone in the history of diamond mining and cemented South Africa’s reputation as a major diamond-producing country.
How are the largest diamonds in the world valued and authenticated?
The largest diamonds in the world are valued and authenticated by a combination of experts, including gemologists, appraisers, and auction houses. These experts use a range of criteria, including the diamond’s carat weight, cut, color, and clarity, to determine its value. They also examine the diamond’s provenance, or history of ownership, to verify its authenticity.
In addition to these criteria, the largest diamonds are often accompanied by documentation from reputable organizations, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). These organizations provide independent verification of the diamond’s characteristics and authenticity, which can significantly impact its value. The value of the largest diamonds can also be influenced by their rarity, beauty, and historical significance.
What is the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction?
The most expensive diamond ever sold at auction is the CTF Pink Star, a 59.60-carat oval-cut diamond that sold for $71.2 million in 2017. The diamond was auctioned by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong and was purchased by a Hong Kong-based jewelry company, Chow Tai Fook.
The CTF Pink Star is one of the largest and most valuable fancy vivid pink diamonds in the world. It is considered a rare and highly prized gemstone due to its exceptional color, clarity, and size. The diamond’s sale set a new record for the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction, surpassing the previous record held by the Graff Pink, a 46.2-carat emerald-cut diamond that sold for $46.2 million in 2010.
Are the largest diamonds in the world insured?
Yes, the largest diamonds in the world are often insured for their full value. Due to their immense value and rarity, these diamonds are considered highly valuable assets that require specialized insurance coverage. The owners of these diamonds typically work with insurance companies that specialize in high-value items, such as jewelry and art, to obtain coverage that reflects the diamond’s true worth.
In addition to insurance, the largest diamonds are often kept in highly secure locations, such as vaults or safe deposit boxes, to protect them from theft or damage. Some owners may also hire security teams to transport and display the diamonds, further reducing the risk of loss or damage. Despite these precautions, the largest diamonds remain some of the most valuable and highly sought-after items in the world.
Can anyone buy one of the largest diamonds in the world?
Technically, anyone can buy one of the largest diamonds in the world, provided they have the financial resources to do so. However, the process of purchasing one of these exceptional gemstones is often highly complex and involves working with a network of gemstone dealers, auction houses, and other industry experts.
In practice, the largest diamonds are often sold privately through discreet channels, and their sales are not publicly disclosed. This is due to the highly personal and often sensitive nature of these transactions, which may involve prominent individuals or institutions. As a result, the opportunity to buy one of the largest diamonds in the world is typically reserved for a select few who have the means and the connections to access these rare and extraordinary gemstones.
Will we ever find a diamond larger than the Cullinan?
It is possible that we may one day find a diamond larger than the Cullinan, although it is unlikely in the near future. Diamond mining is a complex and uncertain process, and the discovery of extremely large diamonds is rare and unpredictable. However, advances in mining technology and exploration techniques have increased the chances of finding large and rare diamonds.
In recent years, several large diamonds have been discovered, including the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona, which was found in 2015 in Botswana. While this diamond is not as large as the Cullinan, it is still an extremely rare and valuable gemstone. The discovery of large diamonds like the Lesedi La Rona has sparked renewed interest in diamond exploration and mining, and it is possible that we may one day find a diamond that surpasses the Cullinan in size and value.