The Enigmatic Allure of World-Famous Diamonds

May 5
08:20

2024

David Cowley

David Cowley

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Discover the captivating stories and unique characteristics of some of the world's most famous diamonds. From the largest pink diamond, the Darya-I-Nur, to the intriguing De Young Red and the historic Dresden Green, these gems are not only marvels of nature but also carry centuries of history.

Darya-I-Nur: The World's Largest Pink Diamond

The Darya-I-Nur diamond,The Enigmatic Allure of World-Famous Diamonds Articles a breathtaking gem from the Iranian Crown Jewels, is reputed to be the largest pink diamond globally. Its weight is estimated to be between 175 and 195 carats. The diamond's exact weight remains unknown due to its permanent setting in a brooch, where it has been for over 130 years. This gem is not only celebrated for its size but also for its soft pink hue and its status as one of the oldest known diamonds. The Darya-I-Nur's history and majesty make it a cornerstone of the Iranian national heritage.

De Beers Diamond: A Gem of Lost Splendor

Originally weighing 428.50 carats before cutting, the De Beers diamond is now a 234.65-carat marvel, making it the seventh-largest faceted diamond in the world. Discovered in March 1888 at the De Beers Consolidated Mine, it became the centerpiece of the Patiala Necklace by 1928. However, by 1973, the necklace had vanished, only for remnants to resurface in a London jewelry shop in 1998, missing most of the large stones. The De Beers Diamond itself was sold in 1982 for a staggering $3,160,000. Learn more about the De Beers diamond's history.

De Young Red Diamond: A Misidentified Marvel

The De Young Red diamond, weighing 5.03 carats, stands as the third-largest red diamond globally. Its unique color, a red with a slight brown hue, once led to its mistaken sale as a red garnet at an estate sale. Fortunately, this precious gem was later identified correctly as a rare red diamond. Today, it is housed at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC, where it is a popular exhibit. Red diamonds like the De Young are classified as Type II and owe their color to plastic deformation during crystal growth, which alters their lattice structure and imparts a red, pink, or brown hue. Explore more about red diamonds.

Dresden Green Diamond: A Rare Green Marvel

Known as the largest natural green diamond in the world, the Dresden Green weighs 40.70 carats and exhibits a unique apple-green color. Classified as a rare type IIa diamond, it was thoroughly examined by the Gemmological Institute of America in 1988, confirming its exceptional quality and rarity. The Dresden Green derives its name from Dresden, the capital of Saxony, where it has been on display for over 200 years. The earliest reference to this diamond dates back to a 1700s London news-sheet, The Post Boy. It was last sold in Switzerland in 1997 for $715,320.

Interesting Stats and Facts

  • Darya-I-Nur: Part of the Iranian Crown Jewels, which have been kept secure and largely unexhibited since the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
  • De Beers Diamond: Lost and partially found, its history encapsulates the mystery and allure that often surrounds large diamonds.
  • De Young Red Diamond: One of the few red diamonds displayed in a museum, making it accessible for public admiration and study.
  • Dresden Green Diamond: Its color stability and natural formation make it a significant study subject for gemologists and historians alike.

These diamonds not only reflect unmatched beauty and rarity but also carry with them stories of intrigue, history, and a deep connection to the cultures that have treasured them.