Discover the fascinating tales of the world's most famous diamonds, from the mysterious depths of the earth to the crowns of royalty. These gems have not only mesmerized with their beauty but also with their storied pasts, involving intrigue, mystery, and opulence.
The Centenary Diamond, unearthed on July 17, 1986, at the Premier Mine in South Africa, remained a closely guarded secret among a select few until its grand unveiling. It was during the centennial celebrations of De Beers on March 11, 1988, in Kimberley, that the existence of this extraordinary 599-carat diamond was publicly acknowledged. The event, marking the closure of the Kimberley Mine, also known as the Big Hole, was attended by over 400 guests, including international dignitaries and industry leaders. Julian Oglivie Thompson, the chairman of De Beers, proudly announced the discovery of what he described as one of the largest top-color diamonds ever found.
The Premier Mine, renowned for its prolific diamond yield, has been the source of several other notable gems such as the Cullinan in 1905 and the Taylor-Burton in 1966. It has produced nearly 300 stones over 100 carats each and accounts for 25% of the world's diamonds over 400 carats.
The Conde Pink Diamond, with its delicate light pink hue and pear-shaped cut, weighs 9.01 carats. Historical records suggest that King Louis XIII of France acquired the stone in 1643 and later gifted it to Louis de Bourbon, Prince of Conde. This gem is currently housed in the Musee de Conde in Chantilly, France, attracting visitors with its unique color and regal backstory.
The Cullinan Diamond, discovered in 1905, was the largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found, weighing 3,106.75 carats. The largest stone cut from the Cullinan, known as the Cullinan I or the Star of Africa, is a pear-shaped diamond that weighs 530.20 carats, making it the second-largest cut diamond in the world. It forms a part of the British Crown Jewels and is displayed in the Tower of London.
The Cullinan II, another significant gem cut from the original Cullinan diamond, is a 317.40-carat cushion-shaped stone. It occupies a central position in the front of the Imperial State Crown of Great Britain. Unique features include two platinum loops that allow it to be worn as a brooch, either alone or together with the Cullinan I.
The cutting process for these large and colored diamonds is critical, as it must enhance their inherent beauty. The famous blue diamonds, for instance, are often studied extensively before cutting begins to ensure the shape—whether pear or octagonal—fully captures their allure.
These diamonds are not just symbols of opulence but also pieces of history that continue to fascinate and intrigue. From royal gifts to components of the crown jewels, each diamond tells a story of its own, reflecting the mysteries and the grandeur of the times they have witnessed.
For more detailed insights into the history of these and other famous diamonds, visit the Smithsonian's gem collection here and the Royal Collection Trust here.
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