Diamonds have long been cherished as the ultimate symbol of luxury, romance, and status. These scintillating gemstones are renowned for their unparalleled beauty, rarity, and value. Among the world’s most sought-after diamonds, a select few stand out for their extraordinary characteristics and astronomical prices. So here are the magnificent 7: earth’s most valuable diamonds.
1. The Koh-i-Noor Diamond – Pricless
While not for sale and therefore without a precise valuation, the Koh-i-Noor diamond is arguably the most famous diamond in the world. Weighing 105.6 carats, this diamond is part of the British Crown Jewels. Its name means “Mountain of Light” in Persian, and its history spans centuries, passing through the hands of various Indian and Persian rulers before coming into British possession. Legend has it that the Koh-i-Noor was first mentioned over 5,000 years ago in a Sanskrit script, where it was called the Syamantaka gem. Its journey through time is marked by bloody conflicts and power struggles, making it not just a gem, but a symbol of imperial might and colonial legacy.
2. The Cullinan Diamond – Over $400 Million
The Cullinan, discovered in 1905, is the largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found, weighing an incredible 3,106.75 carats. While the original stone was cut into several smaller diamonds, the largest of these, the Cullinan I or “Great Star of Africa” (530.2 carats), is estimated to be worth over $400 million. The discovery of this massive gem was so unexpected that Frederick Wells, the mine’s superintendent, initially thought it was a piece of glass placed as a prank. The cutting of the Cullinan was entrusted to Joseph Asscher, who reportedly fainted after successfully cleaving the stone on his first attempt, such was the pressure of the task.
3. The Hope Diamond – $350 Million
Famed for its rare blue color and alleged curse, the Hope Diamond is a 45.52-carat deep-blue diamond. With its striking blue color and storied history, the 45.52 carat Hope Diamond is valued at approximately $350 million. The Hope Diamond’s history is as colorful as its appearance, with owners including King Louis XIV of France and wealthy American heiress Evalyn Walsh McLean.
Its alleged curse has only added to its mystique, with tales of misfortune befalling its owners. Today, it resides in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, where it continues to captivate millions of visitors annually with its beauty and lore.
4. The Centenary Diamond – $100 Million
Unveiled in 1991 to celebrate De Beers’ centennial, this flawless D-color diamond weighs 273.85 carats and is valued at approximately $100 million. The Centenary Diamond is remarkable for its perfect external and internal symmetry, making it one of the most spectacular diamonds ever certified by the Gemological Institute of America.
The cutting process was so delicate that a special underground room, free from vibrations, was built for the task. The diamond’s current whereabouts are unknown, adding an air of mystery to this already fascinating gem.
5. The Pink Star Diamond – $71.5 Million
Sold at auction in 2017 for $71.2 million, the Pink Star Diamond holds the record for the most expensive diamond ever sold. This 59.60-carat fancy vivid pink diamond is the largest internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America.
Mined by De Beers in Africa in 1999, it took a team of eight people 20 months(!) to cut and polish the stone from its original 132.5-carat rough form. Its color is so pure and vivid that the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) ranks it in a class of its own.
6. The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond – $80 Million
This 31.06-carat deep-blue diamond has a history dating back to the 17th century. It was recut in 2010 by renowned jeweler Laurence Graff, improving its clarity and brilliance. The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond was last sold for $80 million, making it one of the most expensive diamonds in the world.
Originally part of the dowry of Infanta Margarita Teresa of Spain upon her engagement to Emperor Leopold I of Austria in 1664, this diamond has witnessed centuries of European royal history.
7. The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond – $57.5 Million
Sold in 2016 for $57.5 million, the Oppenheimer Blue is the largest and finest fancy vivid blue diamond ever offered at an auction. Weighing 14.62 carats, this exceptional stone is named after its previous owner, Sir Philip Oppenheimer, whose family once controlled the De Beers mining company.
Its vivid blue color is so rare that it places the Oppenheimer Blue in the top 1% of all blue diamonds in terms of color quality.
