What is the Biggest Diamond in the World?
Determining what stone should hold the title of the biggest diamond in the world can be sticky. The definition of the biggest diamond depends on defining what makes a true diamond. Does it matter if it has been cut or is gem-quality? Not surprisingly, both top contenders, the Cullinan and the Golden Jubilee, have histories abundant with royalty, intrigue, and politics.
The Cullinan
At 3,106.75 carats, the Cullinan diamond has held the title of world's largest rough cut diamond since it's 1905 discovery. Named after the mine's owner, Sir Thomas Cullinan, the diamond was found to have a black spot in the center, a common defect, but was otherwise remarkable in it's clarity.
It was sold 2 years later to the Transvaal government for $750,000. A British colony, the Transvaal decided to give the diamond to the crown. Fearing theft, a plot was hatched to transport the diamond from South Africa to Britain. A steamship was hired and loaded with detectives, meant to fool any thieves. Meanwhile, the actual diamond was shipped in a plain, insured crate. Presented to King Edward VII on his birthday, with the purported intention of keeping the diamond in Britain's possession all-time.
It was sold 2 years later to the Transvaal government for $750,000. A British colony, the Transvaal decided to give the diamond to the crown. Fearing theft, a plot was hatched to transport the diamond from South Africa to Britain. A steamship was hired and loaded with detectives, meant to fool any thieves. Meanwhile, the actual diamond was shipped in a plain, insured crate. Presented to King Edward VII on his birthday, with the purported intention of keeping the diamond in Britain's possession all-time.
In 1908 it was cut into 9 major gems, 96 smaller brilliants, and 9 carats of fragments. The 2 largest pieces were affixed to the Royal Sceptre and the Crown. Other pieces were either affixed to other Crown Jewels, or sold. The Crown Jewels are on permanent display in the Tower of London, except during royal functions.
Because it was reportedly found with three natural faces, and a rough cleavage face, it has been speculated since it's discovery that the diamond was originally part of a larger whole. Rumors persist even today that the mine's superintendent broke off a piece for himself before turning in the rest. The largest piece, the Cullinan I, is the second largest polished diamond in the world; valued at $400 million.
Because it was reportedly found with three natural faces, and a rough cleavage face, it has been speculated since it's discovery that the diamond was originally part of a larger whole. Rumors persist even today that the mine's superintendent broke off a piece for himself before turning in the rest. The largest piece, the Cullinan I, is the second largest polished diamond in the world; valued at $400 million.
The Golden Jubilee
Decidedly less well-publicized, the Jubilee, which weighed in at 755.5 when found in 1985. After being cut and polished it weighed 545.67 carats, making it the largest polished diamond in the world. Originally known as the Unnamed Brown, was not considered a great find. Despite being large, it's muddy color meant it wasn't gem quality, and not very valuable. With the discovery of the flawless Centenary diamond the following year, the Unnamed Brown was given to DeBeers as a stone on which to test new tools intended to be used on the Centenary.
The result surprised everyone when a fire-rose cushion cut emerged. Still, the diamond didn't receive much publicity as the Centenary was already DeBeer's flagship diamond for their 1988 centennial anniversary. Instead, it first received real-world attention upon it's exhibit in Thailand. The mile-long lines to see it outstripped all other exhibits, making it well known in Asia. Eventually, businessman Henry Ho purchased the diamond from DeBeers in 1995, with the intention of presenting it to the king of Thailand for his 50th year on the throne. Before that, it was blessed by the Pope, then Thailand's Supreme Buddhist Patriarch and Supreme Imam.
The diamond finally received it's name from the king after it's presentation. Despite plans to mount it in the king's Royal Sceptre and later the Grand Seal, it remains unmounted. Its been displayed across the world in Bangkok, Switzerland, and the US. Its currently with Thailand's other Crown Jewels in the Royal Thai Palace.
It still remains largely unknown, even in Thailand. After Asia's 1997 economic collapse, fearing anger from their populace over such a decadent item, the government told it's citizens that the diamond was merely a topaz. Since it has been hidden away, estimates of it's value range between $4-12 million.
The result surprised everyone when a fire-rose cushion cut emerged. Still, the diamond didn't receive much publicity as the Centenary was already DeBeer's flagship diamond for their 1988 centennial anniversary. Instead, it first received real-world attention upon it's exhibit in Thailand. The mile-long lines to see it outstripped all other exhibits, making it well known in Asia. Eventually, businessman Henry Ho purchased the diamond from DeBeers in 1995, with the intention of presenting it to the king of Thailand for his 50th year on the throne. Before that, it was blessed by the Pope, then Thailand's Supreme Buddhist Patriarch and Supreme Imam.
The diamond finally received it's name from the king after it's presentation. Despite plans to mount it in the king's Royal Sceptre and later the Grand Seal, it remains unmounted. Its been displayed across the world in Bangkok, Switzerland, and the US. Its currently with Thailand's other Crown Jewels in the Royal Thai Palace.
It still remains largely unknown, even in Thailand. After Asia's 1997 economic collapse, fearing anger from their populace over such a decadent item, the government told it's citizens that the diamond was merely a topaz. Since it has been hidden away, estimates of it's value range between $4-12 million.
Disputed Champions
Depending on what measures one considers most valid, the largest diamond in the world could be the uncut Cullinan. Certainly, it was the largest discovered. If you believe the largest diamond must be whole, it is the Grand Jubilee. If it must be currently whole and of gem quality, then the Cullinan I still holds the title. By any account, all are remarkable, beautiful gems.