World's Greatest Diamonds

KOH-I-NOOR- Meaning Mountain of light is one of the world's largest diamonds and was weighing incredible 186 carats when first discovered in 1304. This extraordinary diamond is believed to have been set in the famous peacock throne of Shah Jehan . In the time of British Queen Victoria this beautiful diamond lost some of its original carats and now weight 108 carats and is significant part of the British Crown Jewels. Some authorities believe that the Koh-i-noor diamond was originally part of the Great Mogul.

STAR OF THE AFRICA or Cullinan I, as it sometimes called in honor of Sir Thomas Cullinan that was owner of the mining company that found this wonderful example that is at this moment largest cut diamond in the world and the largest rough diamond ever found weighed 3106 carats (1.37 lb) before cutting and was pronounced by crystallographers to be a cleavage fragment of a considerably larger stone: this magnificent diamond was cut by Asscher in Amsterdam, weighing 530.20 carats and having extraordinary 74 facets. Today this king among diamonds has its deserving place being set in the Specter of the King where it resides in London Tower.

THE EXCELSIOR- Another giant among diamonds, second biggest diamond that was ever found, real monster of the diamond that originally weighed 995,2 carats and was later cut to 10 pieces, with three largest cut diamonds weighing 158, 147 and 130 carats and this pieces were then later cut in the 21 gems from 1 to 70 carats. This giant also holds quite interesting story of how it was found. African worker that found this giant diamond, found it as he was loading his truck and was afraid to tell it anyone so he kept this secret until he could safely turn this magnificent diamond to the grateful mine owner that rewarded him with some money, horse and the saddle. What a small price for such a giant diamond.

ORLOFF- This is the third world largest cut diamond in the world, weighing 194 carats. In past this diamond was located in the Temple of the Brahma until the moment when Shah Nadir acquired him. Later this diamond was given to the legendary Russian Queen Catherine II by her lover Grigori Orloff whose name this giant diamond ever since that time proudly wears.

GREAT MOGUL- this legendary and famous diamond in his rough form was discovered in 17th century and was weighing incredible 793 carats. This large diamond was named after Shah Jehan who was builder of Taj Mahal.

IDOLS EYE - Another famous and large diamond, weighing just more than 70 carats. His name comes from ancient legend according which Sheik of Kahmir stole this diamond from an idols eye to pay the Sultan of Turkey ransom for princess Rasheetah. Quite a romantic legend - love saved by diamond.

THE CENTENARY - another huge diamond that was discovered in South Africa's mines in 1986 and was weighing 599,10 carats before Gabby Tolkowsky transformed it into a world's largest diamond that is cut flawless. This beautiful diamond has remarkable 75 facets on top, 89 on bottom, and 83 on the girdle , giving a total sum of incredible 247 facets. Now it weighs 273,85 carats and is like KOH-I-Noor part of the British Jewels.

THE PREMIER ROSE - this relatively "young" diamond was found in 1978 and was originally weighing 353,9 carats before it was cut to three pieces known as "Premiere Rose Family". The largest piece of the family holds original family name "Premier Rose" and is weighing 137,2 carats with incredible 189 facets just behind Centenary that has 247 facets. This beautiful diamond was sold in 1979 for incredible $10 million.

THE REGENT- Another of the big diamonds found in India in 1701, weighing 401 carats in original rough state. With time this beautiful diamond came to possession of British Prime Minister where was cut to brilliant of 140,50 carats and then sold in France in the time of Louis XV where it got its name since was put in to the crown of Louis XV during his coronation. Even Great Napoleon once possessed it and currently this fine diamond has its residence in Louvre.

THE BLUE HOPE - this big diamond was once possessed by the Louis XIV and was later stolen during the French revolution, and in 1830 bought from Englishman Henry Phillip Hope and that's how this diamond got its name. However this diamond is very unlucky to its owners, some say it carries curse because two of its owners had their entire family died in just one year apart. Currently this "cursed" diamond has its residence in Smithsonian in Washington.

THE SANCY – This diamond got its name after French ambassador de Sancy that owned him in the 16th century. This diamond changed many owners and is currently weighing 55 carats and is one of the smallest of the world's biggest diamonds.

TAYLOR-BURTON - Another big and very famous diamond, that had original weight of 240,80 carats when it was found in 1966 and was then bought by Harry Winston and later cut in pear shaped diamond weighing 69,42 carats. This diamond was later auctioned and his new owner became famous Richard Burton who gave it to his wife Elizabeth Taylor and that's how this diamond got its name. When Elizabeth and Richard were divorced in 1978, Elisabeth put this diamond on auction to raise funds for one hospital in Africa. At present time owner of this great diamond is Robert Mouawad.

SEFADU - This big diamond was found in Sierra Leone in 1970 and was weighing huge 620 carats, making it as one of the greatest diamonds ever to be found.

THE VARGAS diamond that was found in Brazil in 1938, weighed 726.6 carats in its rough state, after it was cut in 1945, 29 smaller diamonds were made with a total sum of 411 carats.

JONKER - this diamond was found in 1934 and is the finest-quality large diamond ever found and was later cut into 12 gems ranging from 125.4 to 5.3 carats in weight.

DRESDEN GREEN - This diamond got its name from the capitol of Saxony where it was displaying for more than 200 years and weighed over 100 carats in its rough form. It s unique among world famous diamonds because this diamond originally probably an elongated unbroken stone since greenish diamonds rarely occur as cleavages. At present time this wonderful diamond can be found in Albertinium Museum in Dresden.