Worlds Rarest Diamonds
The world's rarest diamonds are some of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones on earth. These beautiful stones are incredibly rare, and only a handful are known to exist.
They are typically only found in a handful of mines around the world, and their value is based on both their scarcity and beauty. In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 world's rarest diamonds and explain why they have such a hefty price tags.
What Determines a Diamond’s Value?
When it comes to diamonds, it is often said that “it’s all about the 4 C’s.” The “Four C’s” of diamonds stand for Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color.
Together, these characteristics determine a diamond’s value. Here is a quick explanation about the 4 C’s:
A) Carat
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. The higher the carat weight, the more valuable the diamond.
B) Cut
Cut refers to the diamond’s proportions, symmetry, and polish. A well-cut diamond will emit light evenly and have a brilliance that really catches the eye.
C) Clarity
Clarity has to do with how many blemishes or inclusions are present on the surface of or inside the stone. A flawless diamond is very rare and pricey.
D) Color
Colored diamonds are rarer than colorless diamonds and are graded on a scale from D (no hue) to Z (a yellow hued diamond). Fancy colored diamonds such as red, blue or green are extremely rare and can be worth more than colorless diamonds.
5 World's Rarest Diamonds
Most people know that diamonds are rare, but did you know that there are some diamonds so rare that there may only be one or two in the world?
These are the world's rarest diamonds. They are so valuable and rare that they are usually only found in museums or private collections. But if you're lucky enough to see one of these diamonds, you'll be amazed at its beauty.
That being said, here are some of the most rare and valuable diamonds in the world.
1. Koh-i-Noor
Koh-i-Noor is one of the rarest diamonds on Earth. It is believed that it is mined over 5,000 years ago during the reign of the Kakatiya dynasty in India’s Golconda region.
The name Koh-i-Noor means "Mountain of Light" in Persian. It is said to be cursed, and bad luck is supposed to befall any man who wears it. Originally weighing 793 carats, it has been cut and polished over centuries into the present form of a 105.6-carat gem with a stunning oval cut.
In 1849, it was presented to Queen Victoria by the East India Company as coveted spoil of war and has been part of the British Crown Jewels ever since. The Koh-i-Noor is one of the most famous diamonds in the world and its history is full of mystery and intrigue.
Although, it's true value is unknown yet, it is part of the Crown Jewels which is said to be worth somewhere between $10 and $12 billion.
2. The Cullinan
The Cullinan diamond is one of the rarest and most valuable diamonds in the world. It was found in South Africa in 1905, and is named after its discoverer, Sir Thomas Cullinan. The diamond is a massive 3106 carats, making it the largest gem-quality diamond ever found.
It was cut into nine major stones and other smaller ones, making it a collection of a total of 105 gems of different cuts and weights which are set in the British Crown Jewels and other royal collections.
The Cullinan, one of the most magnificent diamonds in the world. The worth of this gem is estimated to be around USD 400 million in the current market.
3. The Hope
With only a handful of authenticated blue diamonds in existence, the 45-carat Hope diamond mined in Golconda, India is not only the largest and most famous blue diamond in the world, but also one of the rarest.
Owned by King Louis XIV of France and cut into Antique cushion shape, the Hope diamond was part of the French Crown Jewels for over a century until it was dissapeared during the French Revolution.
It reappeared again in England, and since then, The Hope has changed hands several times and has been on public display at the Smithsonian Institution and the British Museum. It is currently owned by an Institution’s collection.
4. De Beers Centenary
The De Beers Centenary Diamond was discovered in the Premier Mine in South Africa in 1986, but its existence was announced two years later at the 100th anniversary of De Beers in Kimberley. Hence the name: Centenary.
It is one of the rarest diamonds in the world, weighing in at 273 carats, this D-color, Type IIa diamond is truly a once-in-a-lifetime find. Type IIa diamonds are the purest type of diamond and account for less than 2% of all diamonds mined.
They are prized for their exceptional clarity and purity. The De Beers Centenary diamond is flawless - meaning it has no inclusions or blemishes visible to the naked eye. The Centenary has never been valuated, but it was insured for USD 100 million before it was put on display.
5. The Pink Star Diamond
Previously known as the Steinmetz Pink diamond, this mixed oval in shape is one of flawless gem and world’s largest vivid pink diamonds. Though the exact location is unknown, it was mined by De Beers in Africa in 1999.
The stone weighed 132.5 carats at the time. For over two years, experts from The Steinmetz Group cut and polished it into a 59-carat diamond. In April 2017, The Pink Star Diamond was sold for USD 71.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong to city-based jewellery company Chow Tai Fook.
The owner of the jewellery renamed it CTF Pink Star in honour of his father.
Conclusion
The world's rarest diamonds are truly a sight to behold. Each one is unique and has its own story to tell. They are a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet and its resources.
And a truly symbol of wealth, power, and prestige. If you ever have the opportunity to see one of these diamonds, it will be an experience you will never forget. Want to find your own diamond jewelry? Browse our wide selection of diamond engagement rings, diamond bracelets, necklaces and more.