10 Most Expensive Diamonds Ever Sold

   

Dazzling Delights: Unveiling the 10 Most Expensive Diamonds Ever Sold

Diamonds, shimmering emblems of luxury and enduring allure, have captivated hearts and emptied wallets for centuries.But for some, it's not just about sparkle; it's about owning a piece of history, a conversation starter crafted from pure carbon brilliance. So, prepare to be bedazzled as we delve into the world of the 10 most expensive diamonds ever sold,where price tags rewrite the meaning of "bling" and every carat whispers tales of wealth and intrigue.

1. The Pink Star (71.2 million USD): This 59.6-carat stunner, boasting the coveted "Fancy Vivid Pink" color, smashed auction records in 2017. Its owner remains a mystery, adding to its mystique. No royal or celebrity sightings here, just pure, unadulterated diamond-fire.

Did you know?

• The Pink Star was originally mined in South Africa in 1999 and took two years to cut and polish to its current breathtaking form.
• It holds the record for the highest price per carat ever paid for a diamond at auction.
• Some experts believe it belonged to Indian royalty in the 18th century before being re-cut and resold.

2. The Oppenheimer Blue (57.5 million USD): This 14.62-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond, named after its famous diamond-mining family owners, dazzled the world when it was sold in 2016. It's now rumored to be part of a private collection in the Middle East.

Did you know?

• The Oppenheimer Blue was mined in South Africa in 1962 and was originally part of the Oppenheimer family's personal collection for over 50 years.
• It holds the record for the highest price paid for a blue diamond at auction.
• The diamond was previously gifted to De Beers chairman Sir Philip Oppenheimer by his father, making it a sentimental heirloom.

3. The Cullinan Diamond (400 million USD+): This behemoth, weighing in at a staggering 3106 carats when rough,was discovered in South Africa in 1905. It was cut into nine large diamonds and 96 smaller ones, some of which are still part of the British Crown Jewels. Queen Elizabeth II rocks a Cullinan fragment in her personal collection.

Did you know?

• The Cullinan Diamond is the largest rough diamond ever discovered, and its cutting and polishing was a national event in South Africa.
• The two largest cuts, Cullinan I and Cullinan II, are part of the British Crown Jewels and are worn by the Queen and the Sovereign on special occasions.
• The cutting of the Cullinan Diamond took two years and involved two master diamond cutters working in complete secrecy.

4. The Williamson Pink Star (49.9 million USD): This 11.15-carat Fancy Vivid Pink diamond, reminiscent of the Pink Star, captivated bidders in 2023. Its current owner remains unknown, but its breathtaking color and flawless cut have made it a hot topic among diamond enthusiasts.

Did you know?

• The Williamson Pink Star was originally mined in Tanzania in 1947 and was named after the Williamson family,who owned the mine where it was found.
• It was initially purchased by the Williamson family before being auctioned off in 2023 for a record-breaking price.
• The diamond is rumored to have been worn by actress Elizabeth Taylor before it was re-cut and sold.

5. The Winston Blue (23.8 million USD): This 13.22-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond, the largest flawless blue diamond ever discovered, was purchased by Harry Winston in 1958 and remains part of the company's collection. No royal or celebrity connections here, just pure diamond royalty.

Did you know?

• The Winston Blue was originally mined in South Africa in 1949 and was named after Harry Winston, the legendary American jeweler who acquired it.
• It was once owned by American socialite Doris Duke, who bequeathed it to the Smithsonian Institution before it was later purchased by Harry Winston.
• The diamond is known for its intense blue color and exceptional clarity, making it a true gem of the jewelry world.

6. The De Beers Centenary Diamond (100 million USD+): This 57.57-carat, D-flawless, pear-shaped behemoth was cut from a 599-carat rough diamond discovered in South Africa in 1986. After seven months of careful polishing, it became a masterpiece of light and symmetry. Its current owner remains unconfirmed, adding an air of mystery to its brilliance.

Did you know?

• The De Beers Centenary Diamond was created to celebrate De Beers' 100th anniversary in 1988.
• It holds the record for the highest price per carat ever paid for a rough diamond.
• The diamond was cut by laser technology, a relatively new technique at the time, highlighting its innovative creation.

7. The Orange Diamond (35.5 million USD): This 14.64-carat, Fancy Vivid Orange diamond, one of the rarest colored diamonds in the world, stunned the world when it was sold in 2013. Its vibrant, fiery hue made it an instant sensation, and its current owner is believed to be a private collector from Hong Kong.

Did you know?

• The Orange Diamond was originally mined in South Africa in the 1950s and remained hidden in a private collection for decades before being auctioned off.
• It holds the record for the highest price paid for an orange diamond at auction.
• The diamond's vibrant color is attributed to trace amounts of nitrogen in its crystal structure.

8. The Zoe Diamond (32.6 million USD): This 8.88-carat, D-flawless, emerald-cut diamond, named after the Greek goddess of life, dazzled at a Sotheby's auction in 2014. Its flawless clarity and stunning size attracted bids from around the globe, with an anonymous buyer ultimately claiming it.

Did you know?

• The Zoe Diamond was mined in South Africa and cut by renowned diamond cutter Gabrio Tolkowsky, known for his meticulous craftsmanship.
• It holds the record for the highest price per carat ever paid for an emerald-cut diamond at auction.
• The diamond was previously part of a private collection in the Middle East before being sold.

9. The Princie Diamond (39.3 million USD): This 34.65-carat, Fancy Vivid Pink diamond, unearthed in the legendary Golconda mines of India, captivated collectors with its intense color and historical significance. It was purchased by Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau and gifted to his daughter.

Did you know?

• The Princie Diamond is one of the largest Fancy Vivid Pink diamonds ever discovered and is considered a treasure of Indian history.
• It was originally owned by an Indian royal family for centuries before being sold by their descendants.
• The diamond's name is a tribute to its royal heritage and its connection to the Princely State of Hyderabad.

10. The Hope Diamond (up to 350 million USD): This 45.52-carat, deep blue diamond with a turbulent history is shrouded in legend, rumored to be cursed. Once adorned by French royalty and American socialites, it now resides in the Smithsonian Institution after being donated by Harry Winston in 1958. Its estimated value continues to rise, making it a contender for the most expensive diamond title.

Did you know?

• The Hope Diamond is believed to have originated in India around 1600 and has changed hands numerous times throughout history.
• It is associated with tales of misfortune and tragedy, fueling its mystique and notoriety.
• The diamond's unique blue color is attributed to trace amounts of boron in its crystal structure.

With this, we complete our dazzling journey through the world's most expensive diamonds. Remember, while these gems may represent the pinnacle of luxury, the true brilliance lies in appreciating their beauty, history, and captivating stories. So, share your own diamond fascination and sparkling anecdotes in the comments below! Let's build a community that cherishes the magic of these precious stones, big or small, because sometimes, a little sparkle can illuminate even the darkest moments.