Dazzling Desire: The Most Expensive Diamonds In The World

A rare diamond is not only a timeless symbol but also a valuable asset. The iconic phrase “A diamond is forever” originated from a De Beers jeweler advertisement and quickly became a cultural sensation. Its influence extended to the realm of literature, inspiring the title of one of the beloved James Bond novels, “Diamonds Are Forever,” and leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.The most expensive diamonds in the world are out of reach by the majority, but that doesn’t stop us from admiring them.
For centuries, diamonds have captivated the hearts and minds of people worldwide. Their allure dates back thousands of years, with their mesmerizing beauty and enduring nature captivating generations.

THE LEGACY OF DIAMONDS

The diamond’s prominence as a symbol of love and commitment can be traced back to a significant event in 1477. Archduke Maximillian, at the tender age of eighteen, presented his beloved bride, Mary of Burgundy, with the first-ever diamond engagement ring. This historic gesture not only solidified their love but also ignited a tradition that would revolutionize the diamond industry.

Since then, the diamond market has experienced an explosive growth, evolving into a staggering $90 billion global industry. The enduring appeal of diamonds as a symbol of everlasting love and their undeniable allure has contributed to their immense value and continued demand.

In conclusion, the phrase “A diamond is forever” has transcended its origins as a mere advertisement slogan, becoming a cultural phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on literature, popular culture, and the diamond industry itself. The timeless beauty and enduring nature of diamonds have captured the hearts of people for centuries, making them not only a symbol of love but also a valuable asset in the global market.

Explore 10 of the world’s Most Expensive diamonds, exemplifying exceptional luxury

1. Kohinoor: priceless

The Kohinoor, renowned as the most valuable diamond globally, has attained an unparalleled status owing to its extraordinary brilliance and uniqueness. Translated from Persian, its name signifies “Mountain of Light.” However, the ownership of this precious gem has been a subject of controversy, with allegations suggesting that it was pilfered from India by the British.
Initially estimated to weigh around 793 carats, the diamond has undergone size reduction throughout the ages to enhance its dazzling radiance.

2. The Cullinan Diamond: $400 million upward

The Cullinan diamond, also known as the Star of Africa, was unearthed in 1905. It was an extraordinary find, weighing a staggering 3,106.75 carats, thus earning the title of the largest rough diamond ever discovered.
Over time, this magnificent gemstone has been meticulously cut into nine main diamonds, alongside several smaller cuts, all of which now proudly adorn the Crown jewels of the United Kingdom. Among these precious stones, the largest one, known as Cullinan I, boasts an impressive weight of 530.2 carats and is gracefully positioned atop the Sovereign Sceptre with Cross.

3. The Hope Diamond: up to $350 million

Discovered in the 1600s, the exquisite dark grayish-blue diamond has a long history marred by misfortune and tragedy. Once acquired by King Louis XIV, the diamond was stolen, only to resurface nearly 50 years later. From that point on, a series of unfortunate events seemed to befall anyone who became connected to this cursed gem.
Today, the Hope diamond finds its home in the prestigious Smithsonian Museum, where it was graciously donated by Harry Winston.

4. De Beers Centenary Diamond: $100 million

The Centenary diamond, renowned for its exquisite beauty, boasts the highest grade color rating (D) and flawless clarity. This remarkable gemstone was first revealed to the world during the De Beers centennial celebration in 1988, which ultimately inspired its name.
Regrettably, De Beers is no longer in possession of this extraordinary diamond. The identity of its current owner remains a mystery to the public, shrouding the gem in an air of intrigue and fascination.

5. The Pink Star Diamond: $71.2 million

Formerly known as the Steinmetz Pink, this extraordinary fancy vivid pink diamond stands as the largest of its kind. Meticulously crafted over a span of two years, the stone underwent a meticulous cutting and polishing process, transforming it from its original weight of 132.5 carats into the flawless type IIa diamond it proudly showcases today.

In a momentous auction held in 2017, the illustrious gem found its new home with Chow Tai Fook Enterprises in the vibrant city of Hong Kong. Recognizing its unparalleled beauty and significance, the esteemed owners bestowed upon it a new name, the CTF Pink Star.

6. The Regent Diamond: $61 million

The Regent Diamond, a remarkable white diamond with delicate blue undertones, was unearthed in 1698. Legend has it that a slave discovered this extraordinary gem in the Kollur mines, only to have it snatched away by a cunning British sea captain.
Throughout its storied history, the Regent Diamond traversed the hands of esteemed Dukes, Queens, and Kings, each captivated by its unparalleled beauty. Eventually, this illustrious gem found its ultimate abode at the prestigious Louvre in Paris, where it has resided since 1887.

7. The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond: $57.5 million

The exquisite Fancy Vivid blue diamond, which was once possessed by Sir Philip Oppenheimer, was successfully sold at an auction in 2016. It is worth noting that only a mere 1% of all blue diamonds evaluated by the GIA are bestowed with the prestigious color grade of “fancy vivid blue”.
This remarkable gem is elegantly placed within a ring, accompanied by two smaller trapeze-cut white diamonds. The combination of its substantial carat size and captivatingly intense color undoubtedly played a significant role in commanding its astonishingly high price.

8. The Graff Lesedi La Rona: $53 million

The awe-inspiring Lesedi La Rona, a rough diamond weighing an astounding 1,109 carats, found its new home with Graff Diamonds in 2017. A testament to their expertise, it took the skilled craftsmen at Graff Diamonds a little over 18 months to meticulously cut and polish this magnificent gem into a stunning centerpiece weighing 302.37 carats, accompanied by an additional 66 smaller cut diamonds.

This extraordinary diamond has not only captivated the world with its sheer size but has also secured its place in history by setting two remarkable world records. Firstly, it proudly holds the title of the largest square emerald cut diamond ever discovered, a testament to its unparalleled beauty and precision. Secondly, it has been certified by the esteemed GIA as the largest diamond of the utmost color and clarity, further solidifying its status as a true marvel of nature.

The Lesedi La Rona’s journey from a rough diamond to a breathtaking masterpiece is a testament to the dedication and skill of the artisans at Graff Diamonds. With their unwavering commitment to perfection, they have transformed this once unassuming stone into a symbol of elegance and grandeur. Its flawless facets and exquisite brilliance are a testament to the artistry and expertise that went into its creation.
As the Lesedi La Rona continues to captivate the world with its unparalleled beauty, it serves as a reminder of the extraordinary wonders that lie within the depths of the earth. Its story is one of transformation, from a rough diamond to a radiant gem that will forever be cherished and admired.

9. The Winston Pink Legacy: $50.4 million

Harry Winston acquired The Pink Legacy diamond, formerly owned by the Oppenheimer family, through a successful bid at a prestigious Christie’s auction in 2018. Renowned as one of the most exquisite diamonds in existence, this remarkable gem now graces a captivating rose gold and platinum ring, accompanied by two shield-cut colorless diamonds on each side.

Words fail to capture the sheer elegance emanating from this extraordinary creation, meticulously crafted to commemorate the 125th birthday of the legendary “King of Diamonds” himself, Harry Winston.

10. The Blue Moon of Josephine Diamond: $48.4 million

In 2015, the prestigious Blue Moon diamond found its new owner in the form of Hong Kong billionaire, Joseph Lau. Captivated by its beauty, he bestowed upon it the name “The Blue Moon of Josephine,” in honor of his beloved daughter.

Renowned for its exquisite quality, this diamond is classified as a fancy vivid blue and is widely regarded as nearly flawless. Its rarity and brilliance make it a true gem among gems.

What sets this fancy blue diamond apart is its remarkable ability to emit a mesmerizing red glow when exposed to ultraviolet light. This captivating phenomenon adds an enchanting allure to an already extraordinary gemstone.