Diamonds are prized for their beauty, brilliance, and rarity, but a select few have captured the world’s imagination due to their extraordinary size. These exceptional diamonds have become global treasures, fascinating gem enthusiasts and collectors alike. Throughout history, the largest diamonds discovered have sparked awe, admiration, and intrigue, and each discovery adds a new chapter to the story of these precious stones.
In this blog, we’ll explore the legacy of the largest diamonds in the world, including recent milestones that have made headlines and how these iconic stones compare to other renowned discoveries. Whether from historic finds or newly unearthed treasures, these diamonds continue to captivate us with their unmatched beauty and significance. These discoveries keep us on the edge of anticipation, as we are constantly poised for new, larger, and higher-quality diamonds to emerge, driving the world of gemology toward its next exciting breakthrough.
The Largest Diamond Ever Discovered: The Cullinan Diamond
The title of the largest diamond ever found belongs to the Cullinan Diamond, an extraordinary gem weighing a massive 3,106 carats when it was unearthed in South Africa in 1905. Named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the Premier Mine where it was discovered, the Cullinan Diamond’s sheer size made headlines around the world, and it remains unmatched in terms of its carat weight and overall significance.
This rough diamond was so large that it had to be cut into several smaller, yet still incredibly valuable, gems. The largest cut from the Cullinan is known as Cullinan I, or the Great Star of Africa, and weighs 530.2 carats. Today, the Great Star of Africa is set in the head of the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, part of the British Crown Jewels.
The Cullinan Diamonds: A Royal Legacy
The Cullinan Diamond didn’t just produce one notable gem—it was cut into nine major diamonds, each with its own story and importance. These diamonds became part of the British Crown Jewels and the private collection of the British royal family. Among them:
- Cullinan I (The Great Star of Africa): The largest of the Cullinan stones, set in the Sovereign’s Sceptre.
- Cullinan II (The Second Star of Africa): Weighing 317.4 carats, this diamond is set in the Imperial State Crown, another essential part of the British Crown Jewels.
Other Cullinan diamonds are also part of the Crown Jewels or are worn by members of the royal family, cementing the legacy of this extraordinary find.
A New Discovery: Lucara's Massive Diamond Find
On August 22, 2024, Lucara Diamond Corp. announced an exciting new discovery—a massive 2,492-carat diamond found at the Karowe Mine in Botswana. This discovery ranks as the second-largest diamond ever found, and its size has taken the diamond industry by storm.
This yet-to-be-named diamond was unveiled in a special ceremony in Gaborone, with Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi as one of the first to hold it. The stone is remarkable not only for its size but for the advanced X-ray transmission technology that made its recovery possible. It continues the Karowe Mine’s reputation as one of the premier sources of large diamonds, with previous finds like the Lesedi La Rona and Sewelo diamonds.
While the diamond is still being assessed for its quality, its sheer size and potential place it among the greats, contributing to Botswana’s reputation as a leading source of some of the world's largest gems.
Other Famous Large Diamonds
While the Cullinan holds the record for the largest diamond ever discovered, several other enormous diamonds have left their mark on history. Let’s take a look at some of these famous stones:
1. The Excelsior Diamond
Before the discovery of the Cullinan, the Excelsior Diamond held the title of the largest known diamond. It was found in South Africa in 1893 and weighed 995.2 carats. Like the Cullinan, it was cut into smaller gems, with the largest being the Excelsior I, weighing 69.68 carats.
2. The Star of Sierra Leone
Discovered in 1972 in Sierra Leone, this diamond weighed 968.9 carats. The Star of Sierra Leone was later cut into multiple stones, with the largest piece weighing 143.2 carats. This diamond remains one of the largest and most famous gems in history.
3. The Lesedi La Rona
The Lesedi La Rona is the largest diamond discovered in recent times, found in 2015 at the Karowe Mine in Botswana. Weighing 1,109 carats in its rough state, it is the largest diamond discovered since the Cullinan. The diamond was eventually cut into smaller gems, and its name means “Our Light” in the Tswana language.
4. The Golden Jubilee Diamond
The Golden Jubilee Diamond, discovered in South Africa in 1985, weighs an impressive 545.67 carats after cutting. It is currently the largest faceted diamond in the world and was presented to the King of Thailand for his 50th coronation anniversary, symbolizing its significance.
How Do These Diamonds Compare?
While each of these diamonds is monumental in its own right, the Cullinan Diamond still stands as the largest ever found. However, the way diamonds are cut can impact their final size. The Golden Jubilee Diamond holds the title for the largest polished diamond, while Cullinan I remains the largest faceted clear-cut diamond.
Creating Your Own Diamond Story at Caleesi Designs
At Caleesi Designs, we specialize in helping you create a personal story with your perfect piece. Whether you’re looking for a classic diamond ring or a custom-designed masterpiece, our passion is in the details. We’re committed to helping you find the diamond that’s right for you, regardless of size, and ensuring it shines with your unique style and personality.
The Cullinan Diamond remains the largest diamond ever discovered, but it’s not just its size that makes it special. Each large diamond, from the Golden Jubilee to Lucara’s recent find, carries its own story and history. These legendary gems remind us of the artistry and beauty that diamonds represent.
At Caleesi Designs, we believe that every diamond tells a story—whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime find or a personal treasure. Visit us today, and let us help you create your own piece of history. Whether you're after a simple, elegant ring or a custom design, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
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