Across the annals of time, diamonds have consistently presented opulence and excess, prized for their incomparable beauty and rarity. Throughout history, a select few diamonds have garnered international acclaim due to their exceptional size and unmatched brilliance. Join us as we delve into the stories of the world’s largest diamonds, exploring their fascinating histories and the profound impact they have had on the field of gemology and beyond.
Largest Diamond of the World
Our expedition through time uncovers the captivating narratives that surround these precious gems. Each of these diamonds possesses a singular and enthralling history, ranging from the awe-inspiring Cullinan Diamond, the largest Diamond of the world, to the resplendent Golden Jubilee Diamond, bestowed upon the King of Thailand.
Top-10 Largest Diamonds of the World
Diamonds are not just cherished by women; anyone who appreciates their allure is in for a treat today.
Here is the list of top-10 largest diamonds of the world:
World’s Largest Diamonds | ||
S. No. | Name of Diamond | Weight (in carats) |
1. | Cullinan Diamond | 3,106.75 |
2. | Lucara Diamond | 2,492 |
2. | Lesedi La Rona | 1,109 |
3. | Excelsior Diamond | 995.2 |
4. | Incomparable Diamond | 890 |
5. | The Great Mogul Diamond | 787 |
6. | Woyie River Diamond | 770 |
7. | Golden Jubilee Diamond | 545.67 |
8. | Centenary Diamond | 273.85 |
9. | Jubilee Diamond | 245.35 |
10. | Millennium Star | 203.04 |
Largest Diamond of the World: Cullinan Diamond
The Cullinan Diamond, an astonishing 3,106.75- carat gem, holds the title of largest diamond of the world. Found in 1905 by Frederick Wells at South Africa’s Premier Diamond Mine, it was named after mine owner Sir Thomas Cullinan. This magnificent diamond was swiftly acquired by the Transvaal government and presented to King Edward VII in 1907. After a painstaking cutting process, it yielded the Great Star of Africa, the world’s largest polished diamond and the Lesser Start of Africa. Both now adorn the British crown Jewels, residing in the Tower of London, showcasing South Africa’s rich diamond mining heritage.
Second Largest Diamond of the World: Lesedi La Rona
The Lesedi La Rona, an astounding 1,109-carat rough diamond, stands as one of the largest ever unearthed. Discovered in Bostwana’s Karowe mine by Lucara Diamond Corp, in November 2015, its name, “Lesedi La Rona,” translates to “Our Light” in Tswana, symbolizing its magnificence. This tennis ball-sized gem made waves in the diamond industry, fetching a record-breaking $53 million at auction in 2017, courtesy of Graff Diamonds. Afterward, it was meticulously cut into several dazzling gems, including a 302.37-carat, D-color, flawless diamond, further highlighting Africa’s flourishing diamond industry and its potential for economic growth.
Third Largest Diamond of the World: Excelsior Diamond
The Excessive Diamond, an astonishing 995.20-carat gem, was unearthed in South Africa’s Jagersfontein mine in 1893, causing a sensation in the diamond world. Acquired by London diamond merchant Sir William Crookes, it passed into the hands of a group of dealers who brought it to Amsterdam for examination and cutting. This perilous process took months but resulted in 21 polished stones, with the 69.68- carat Excelsior I and 47.62-carat Excelsior II among them. Today, the illustrious Excelsior I graces the Royal Palace of Madrib as one of the world’s largest diamonds.
Incomparable Diamond
In 1989, a stunning uncut diamond of Congolese origin was stumbled upon by a young girl. It weighed around 890 carats and was found by chance amidst a pile of discarded items. The girl presented her discovery to her uncle, who in turn sold it to a diamond merchant. The diamond subsequently made its way to Antwerp, Belgium, a renowned diamond hub. Skilled artisans spent years meticulously cutting and shaping it into a magnificent yellow-brown diamond, ultimately weighing 407.48 carats.