15 Most Expensive Diamonds in the World
Diamonds are renowned for their beauty and worth, but some of these gems are so rare and precious that they can be valued at millions of dollars.
From the glimmering Kohinoor diamond to the majestic Lesotho Legend, diamonds have been a source of fascination and awe for centuries. These priceless gems are considered some of the most valuable possessions in the world, with some diamonds surpassing even the worth of entire nations!
Here is a list of 15 of the most expensive diamonds ever discovered, with their astounding prices ranging from millions to even billions of dollars.
Kohinoor: priceless
The Kohinoor is widely known as one of the most expensive diamonds in the world. The diamond originated in India and is believed to be more than 5,000 years old, having been passed down through many generations before finally being acquired by the British Empire in 1849.
The diamond has a unique cut which makes it even more precious, and its history makes it one of the most prized possessions around. If you’re looking for a gem that truly stands out from the rest, then look no further than the Kohinoor!
The Cullinan Diamond: $400 million
The Cullinan Diamond is one of the most expensive diamonds in the world. It is a 3,106-carat diamond that was discovered in South Africa in 1905. It was named after Thomas Cullinan, who owned the mine where it was found.
The diamond has been cut into nine gems and set into various pieces of jewelry and other regalia for European royalty. The most famous piece is Queen Elizabeth II’s scepter, which features a 530-carat emerald-cut brilliant diamond.
The Hope Diamond: $250 million
The Hope Diamond is an iconic 45.52-carat diamond with a remarkable history. It has been owned by kings and maharajas, and it even has its own legend of being cursed. The diamond was acquired by King Louis XIV in 1668, who had the stone cut into a slightly more manageable form.
Even though its whereabouts were unknown for most of the nineteenth century, it soon resurfaced at the turn of the twentieth century having belonged to an English merchant family and finally an American socialite crafting its reputation as a truly remarkable piece of jewelry. Today it sits proudly on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC where visitors can admire its beauty firsthand!
De Beers Centenary Diamond: $100 million
The De Beers Centenary Diamond is one of the most remarkable and beautiful diamonds in the world. It was discovered in 1988 at the Premier Mine in South Africa and weighed 599.10 carats in its rough form. Cut by master diamond cutters, it now weighs 273.85 carats and is known for its brilliant yellowish-brown color and extraordinary symmetry.
Its story has captivated many generations, making it a true symbol of luxury, beauty, and prestige throughout the centuries.
The Pink Star Diamond: $71.2 million
The Pink Star Diamond is one of the world’s rarest and most remarkable gems. Discovered in 1999 in South Africa, it is the largest internally flawless pink diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America.
It has been valued at over $71 million and is considered to be one of the most beautiful and valuable diamonds in existence. The Pink Star Diamond has a fascinating history full of mystery and intrigue, making it even more special to admire and appreciate.
The Regent Diamond: $61 million
The Regent Diamond is a stunningly beautiful and exceptionally rare diamond that has been a part of history for centuries. It originated from the Golconda mines in India and was discovered in 1698, weighing 410 carats in its rough form. After being recut, it now weighs 140.50 carats and is considered one of the most famous diamonds in the world.
The diamond is oval-shaped and colorless, with an intense level of brilliance. It has been owned by many royal figures including Napoleon Bonaparte who set it into his sword hilt.
The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond: $57.5 million
The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond is one of the world’s most sought-after gems. It is the largest blue diamond ever discovered, weighing in at a whopping 14.62 carats, and is hailed as one of the most valuable diamonds in history.
It was founded in 2014 in South Africa by De Beers and later purchased by Laurence Graff for over $50 million USD.
The Graff Lesedi La Rona: $53 million
The Graff Lesedi La Rona is one of the most astonishing diamonds ever discovered. This diamond has a staggering size of 1,109 carats and was found in Botswana in 2015.
The name “Lesedi La Rona” translates to “our light” in Tswana, which speaks to the diamond’s extraordinary radiance. This beautiful stone has become particularly iconic for its spectacular aquatic cut that accentuates each individual facet of the diamond’s surface. With this exquisite cut, the Graff Lesedi La Rona sparkles unlike any other diamond in the world today.
The Winston Pink Legacy: $50.4 million
The Winston Pink Legacy is one of the most iconic diamonds in the world and has been setting records for decades. It is the most expensive diamond ever to be sold and currently holds the title of the most expensive fancy vivid pink diamond in history, having sold at auction for $50.4 million in 2017.
The Winston Pink Legacy has a unique pink color and exceptional clarity, making it truly one of a kind and worthy of its hefty price tag.
The Blue Moon of Josephine Diamond: $48.4 million
The Blue Moon of Josephine Diamond is one of the most amazing gems in the world. The beauty and rarity of this diamond have made it a symbol of love and passion for many people around the globe.
It was discovered in South Africa in 1880, and since then it has been owned by some of the world’s wealthiest families. The most remarkable feature of this diamond is its perfect symmetry -it looks almost too perfect to be true!
The Graff Pink Diamond: $46.2 million
The Graff Pink Diamond is an iconic piece of art that has been acclaimed for its incredible beauty and value. Standing at 24.78 carats, this astonishing pink diamond is the largest internally-flawless Fancy Vivid pink diamond in the world.
This beautiful gem is decorated with 82 brilliant facets and surpasses all other fancy vivid colored diamonds with its hue, purity, and size. The Graff Pink Diamond is truly a treasure to behold and adds a touch of glamour to any jewelry collection.
Lesotho Legend: $40 million
The Lesotho Legend is one of the most expensive diamonds in the world, with a sale price of $40 million at an auction in Antwerp, Belgium, in March 2018. The diamond was discovered in the Letseng Mine in the Kingdom of Lesotho, a small landlocked country in Southern Africa, in September 2015.
The Lesotho Legend was a rough diamond when it was first found, weighing an incredible 910 carats. The diamond was then sold to an unnamed buyer, who commissioned its cutting and polishing.
The Princie Diamond: $39.3 million
The Princie Diamond is a famous pink diamond that has a long and intriguing history. It was discovered over 300 years ago in the Golconda mines of India and is believed to have once belonged to the royal family of Hyderabad.
The Princie Diamond weighs 34.65 carats and has a rare pink color, making it one of the largest and most valuable pink diamonds in the world.
The Orange Diamond: $35.5 million
The Orange Diamond is a stunning diamond that is known for its rare and vibrant orange color. This diamond was discovered in South Africa and weighs 14.82 carats, making it a relatively small diamond compared to other famous diamonds. However, its intense color makes it one of the most valuable diamonds in the world.
The Orange Diamond was first auctioned in 1976, where it sold for $2.5 million. The diamond’s current owner is unknown.
The Sakura Diamond: $29.3 million
The Sakura Diamond is a rare and beautiful pink diamond that was recently discovered in a mine in Russia. Weighing 15.81 carats, the diamond was named after the Japanese word for “cherry blossom” because of its delicate pink hue.
The Sakura Diamond is one of the largest and most valuable pink diamonds in the world, and its sale has drawn attention to the growing demand for colored diamonds in the global diamond market.
In conclusion
Diamonds are truly unique and breathtaking gems that have captivated people for centuries. From the Kohinoor to the Sakura Diamond, these precious stones are highly sought after for their beauty, rarity, and value.
These 15 of the most expensive diamonds in the world demonstrate just how remarkable and valuable these stunning gems can be. Whether you’re looking for an object of beauty or a valuable investment, diamonds will always be in high demand. No matter what shape, size, or color you are looking for, these rare gems never fail to amaze and delight their admirers.