Most jewelry enthusiasts crave size when it comes to diamonds – the larger, the better. But we all know that these precious stones come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiniest of grains to rare giants, many carats in weight. And that’s what makes diamonds so unique – each is different. So, what is the largest diamond in the world?
What Is the Largest Diamond in the World?
The world’s largest cut diamond is the Cullinan Diamond, weighing in at a whopping 3,106.75 carats! Named after the owner of the mine, Sir Thomas Cullinan, this diamond was found in Pretoria, South Africa, on January 25, 1905. It was then given to Frederick Well, a superintendent at the Premier Mine near Pretoria in Transvaal (now South Africa) for more scrutiny and study.
The Cullinan Diamond was initially cut into nine different stones, the two largest of which are now set in the British Crown Jewels – the Great Star of Africa and the Lesser Star of Africa. The other seven diamonds were sold to various private buyers, with the largest weighing 317 carats and currently residing in Washington D.C.’s Smithsonian Museum.
Who Owns the Largest Diamond in the World?
After its discovery, the Cullinan Diamond was bought by the Transvaal Colony government and then presented to King Edward VII as a 66th birthday gift. It was then cut into nine stones by the Asscher Brothers of Amsterdam, with the two largest being set in the British Crown Jewels. The other seven diamonds were sold to various private buyers.
As the Cullinan Diamond is now part of the British Crown Jewels, it technically belongs to the reigning monarch of England – currently Queen Elizabeth II. However, as the jewels are considered national treasures, they are owned by the British people and are kept safe in the Tower of London.
How Much Is the Largest Diamond in the World Worth?
The Cullinan Diamond is priceless, as it is considered a national treasure and is not for sale. However, if it were to be put on the market, experts believe it would fetch a price of over $2 billion! This makes it the most valuable diamond in the world and the largest.
The Cullinan Diamond isn’t the only large diamond in the world. Several other precious stones come close to its size, including the Lesedi La Rona, which weighs 1,109 carats, and the Excelsior Diamond, which weighs 995 carats. However, neither of these comes close to the Cullinan Diamond in terms of value.
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about the largest diamond in the world! Whether you’re a jewelry enthusiast or simply curious about these precious stones, Southshore Diamond Exchange offers a wide range of loose diamonds and diamond jewelry to suit your needs. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more!