Discover the fascinating tales of the world's most famous diamonds, from their discovery to their current whereabouts. These gems have not only mesmerized with their beauty but also with their intriguing histories.
The Earth Star diamond, unearthed in 1967 at the Jagersfontein Mine in South Africa, originally weighed a staggering 248.9 carats before being expertly cut into a pear-shaped gem of 111.59 carats. At the time, it was celebrated as the largest faceted brown diamond globally. This diamond is renowned for its exceptional brilliance, a rare quality in deeply colored diamonds. In 1983, it was acquired by Stephen Zbova of Naples for a sum of $900,000. The Earth Star's allure lies not just in its size but in its unusual color and the brilliance it exudes, which is atypical for diamonds of such a strong hue.
The Eureka Diamond holds historical significance as the first diamond discovered in South Africa in 1866. Found by a shepherd boy along the Orange River, this 21.25-carat brownish-yellow diamond changed several hands, unrecognized, until it reached Dr. W.G. Atherstone in Grahamstown, one of the few gemstone experts in the Cape Colony at the time. Its discovery marked the beginning of the diamond rush in South Africa, transforming the gemstone industry forever.
Unearthed in 1893 at the Jagersfontein Mine, the Excelsior Diamond weighed an astonishing 995.2 carats, making it the second-largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, after the Cullinan. Its discovery coincided with the expiration of a purchasing consortium's rights, a twist of fate that significantly affected its destiny. Unable to find a single buyer for such a massive stone, it was eventually cut into smaller diamonds, the largest being only 69.68 carats. This decision was later described by Alpheus F. Williams, a future General Manager of De Beers, as a "great tragedy" in the annals of famous diamonds.
The Florentine Diamond, a lost gem with a recorded weight of 137.27 carats, was known for its light yellow hue with slight greenish overtones. Its history is filled with dramatic turns, including being worn by Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, who lost it in battle in 1467. It later appeared in the possession of various European nobles, including Pope Julius II and the Hapsburgs, becoming part of their crown jewels. Its last known re-cut was into an 80-carat round diamond, sold in 1981, and its current location remains a mystery.
Currently holding the title of the largest faceted diamond in the world, the Golden Jubilee weighs 545.67 carats. This breathtaking diamond boasts a unique fancy yellow-brown color and was presented to the King of Thailand in 1997 during the 50th anniversary of his coronation. Its cut, known as the fire rose cut, enhances its natural color and brilliance, making it a jewel of extraordinary beauty and significance.
These diamonds not only reflect immense natural beauty and craftsmanship but also carry with them stories of intrigue, history, and sometimes, misfortune. Their journeys from the earth to the hands of royalty and collectors continue to fascinate and inspire, making them eternal symbols of allure and splendor.
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