The diamond is one of the most coveted precious stones in the world. Although diamonds are relatively common and jewelry adorned with these stones are readily available, some diamonds are more expensive than others due to their rarity or quality. In fact, the price of some is almost beyond belief. Here are the ten most expensive diamonds in the world.
1) Koh-I-Noor
The history, size and quality of this diamond puts it at the top of the list of the most expensive diamonds. This is in spite of it having no monetary value designated to it as it is considered priceless. The name is Persian for ‘Mountain of Light. The 105 carat diamond originates from Andhra Pradesh state in India and was previously owned by several rulers. It is now a tourist attraction at the Tower of London and is the property of the British Crown.
2) The Sancy Diamond
This is another diamond considered priceless. Believed to originate from India, this 55.23 carat diamond is pale yellow in color and was the first diamond ever to be cut with symmetrical facets. The pear-shaped diamond is now a part of the French Crown Jewel Collection. One unusual feature of this diamond is that it has no pavillion.
3) The Cullinan
Valued at a whopping $400 million, this was the largest uncut diamond in the world at 3,1206,75. Once cut and polished it still measured a huge 530.2 carats. The original diamond was cut into smaller diamonds. All of these are on display in various locations around South Africa. Until 1985 it was thought to be the largest diamond in the world.
4) The Hope Diamond
Displayed at Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington DC, the Hope Diamond appears blue to the naked eye. This is because of traces of boron. However, when it is viewed under an ultraviolet light, it is phosphor red. The 45.52 carat diamond is valued at $350 million. The naming of this diamond is under debate because it is rumored to be unlucky for its owners.
5) De Beers Centenary Diamond
The Gemological Institute of America gave this diamond a D level, the highest classification available. This is because the De Beers Centenary Diamond is flawless and colorless. It was produced by the De Beer Premier Mine and is 273.85 carats. The diamond weighs 54.77 grams and is worth around $100 million.
6) The Steinmetz Pink
According to the Gemological Institute of America, the color of this gem is fancy vivid pink. It is currently on display as part of the Smithsonian’s “The Splendor of Diamonds” exhibition. At over 59 carats this is the largest pink diamond in the world. It was discovered in South Africa and is estimated to be worth $25 million.
7) Wittlesbach Diamond
This stylish diamond is privately owned by Laurence Graff. Prior to its private sale, it belonged to both the Bavarian and Austrian crown jewels. Valued at $16.4 million, the stone features 35.56 carats, weighs approximately 7 grams and is stunning blue in color. It is alternatively known as Der Blaue Wittelsbacher. The clarity and color of this diamond are considered as comparable to the Hope Diamond.
8) The Heart of Eternity
The Heart of Eternity is worth a staggering $16 million. It was cut with a diamond by the Steinmetz Group before being sold to the De Beers Group. Its estimated worth is around $16 million and it was found in South Africa’s Premier Diamond Mine. The Gemological Institute of America classed this 27.64 diamond as fancy vivid blue color.
9) The Moussaieff Red Diamond
The color is rated as fancy red by the Gemological Institute of America. Worth around $7 million, this diamond has a triangular brilliant cut. At 5.11 carats the Moussaieff Red Diamond is the largest of this style and color in the world. This diamond has been displayed in several exhibitions but is currently owned by the Moussaieff Company. Originally, it was discovered accidentally by a farmer in a river near his land.
10)The Allnatt Diamond
By comparison, this is a snip at $3 million. It is named after one of the holders of the diamond, Major Alfred Ernest Allnatt. This cushion-cut diamond is 101.29 carats and classified as a fancy vivid yellow by the Gemological Institute in America. Although it is thought that the Allnatt Diamond was found where the De Beers mine is now located, this is not verified.
