When you think of the world’s most expensive diamond, what do you envision? The largest diamond in the world? The clearest, brightest, and shiniest?
Well, what if we told you that some of the most expensive diamonds in the world are actually blue diamonds? Or pink diamonds? Or even rough diamonds?
Here’s everything you need to know about what are, inarguably, some of the most gorgeous and priceless gemstones on the planet.
What You Will Learn
What is the Most Expensive Diamond in the World?
In order of value, here are the most expensive diamonds in the world.
- The Kohinoor
- The Cullinan Diamond
- The Hope Diamond
- De Beers Centenary Diamond
- The Pink Star Diamond
- The Regent Diamond
- The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond
- The Graff Lesedi La Rona
- The Winston Pink Legacy
- The Blue Moon of Josephine Diamond
So what makes each expensive diamond on this list stand out? Here’s what makes them unique.
The Kohinoor
Considered “priceless” due to its condition, The Kohinoor was, as a rough diamond, about 800 carats. Now, its weight is just over a hundred.
Initially discovered in India (no lab-grown diamonds here), this diamond makes up a selection of the crown jewels for predominately the female members of the British royal family. It features prominently in the Crown of the Queen Mother.
The Cullinan Diamond
But what about a diamond that we can put a price tag on?
The Cullinan Diamond is valued at over $400 million and is arguably the largest rough diamond ever discovered, uncovered in 1905. Like the Kohinoor, this diamond is faceted in a series of items belonging to the British royal family. Most prominently, the diamond is within the sovereign scepter used during coronation ceremonies.
The Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond is a bit older in comparison. She is a fancy blue diamond, initially purchased by King Louis XIV. Despite its name, the rumor about the Hope Diamond is that it is cursed. That may be why it’s now safely locked behind glass at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
The De Beers Centenary Diamond
The De Beers Centenary Diamond is an incredibly clear, highly graded diamond sold by the De Beers company, which was the same company to popularize the diamond engagement ring.
Today, the diamond is worth approximately $100 million and belongs to an unknown private owner.
The Pink Star Diamond
This fancy vivid pink diamond, The Pink Star, is the world’s largest vivid pink diamond. The pink diamond also goes by “The CTF Pink Star diamond,” after its current owner, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises. The stone is worth over $70 million.
The Regent Diamond
Another famous diamond once owned by royalty and the like throughout its history, this diamond, discovered in India in the late 1600s, is worth over $60 million and currently lies at The Louvre in Paris.
The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond
The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond is a fancy vivid blue diamond that belonged to Sir Philip Oppenheimer. The exceedingly rare diamond from South Africa weighs about 15 carats. It’s worth about $60 million.
The Graff Lesedi La Rona
This spectacular diamond is a record-setter. It was named the world’s largest square, emerald-cut diamond. Additionally, it holds the highest color and clarity grades ever certified by GIA.
The Winston Pink Legacy
Originally an Oppenheimer family-owned diamond, The Winston Pink Legacy was purchased by luxury jewelry brand Harry Winston most recently. Now, this famous pink diamond sits in a platinum ring.
The Blue Moon of Josephine Diamond
Lastly, there’s the Blue Moon diamond in our list of the top 10 most expensive diamonds in the world. The fancy blue diamond now belongs to a Hong Kong billionaire and is worth nearly $50 million.
Even More Pricey Diamonds
Of course, this list of top 10 diamonds only scratches the surface of the most expensive diamonds in the world. You can find many more diamonds worth tens of millions of dollars, like the Graff Pink Diamond, once owned by Harry Winston; the Winston Blue Diamond, also purchased by — you guessed it — Harry Winston; and The Heart of Eternity, another fancy vivid blue diamond.
How to Get Your Hands on Your Expensive Diamond
If you’re shopping around for some diamonds, chances are good that your budget can’t quite stretch into crown jewels territory. However, if you’re looking to invest in an expensive diamond that will hold its value over time, there are a few things you can look for grade, color, and cut.
The diamond’s grade will affect its price and value, as the grade determines the quality of the diamond.
However, when considering color, you’ll likely notice how many diamonds on our list of the most expensive diamonds in the world are colored diamonds. Taking a cue from that, and based on information from the International Gem Society, you may want to shop for a colored diamond rather than a colorless diamond. Red diamonds are the rarest and, thus, the most expensive option, but blue and pink diamonds are likewise in demand.
As for cut, round brilliant is the most expensive diamond cut you can purchase, given the many facets, level of precision work needed, and amount of rough diamond that’s hewn away during the cutting process.
Expensive Diamonds FAQs
What’s the most expensive diamond in the world?
The most expensive diamond with a monetary valuation is The Cullinan Diamond. Only The Kohinoor diamond is considered more valuable, but it has no price tag and is simply considered “priceless.”
What are the rarest diamonds?
Red diamonds are the rarest diamonds in the world and, thus, some of the most expensive.
Who owns the rarest diamonds?
The rarest and most expensive diamonds belong to the British Royal Crown.
Are there any gemstones that are rarer than diamonds?
Yes! One gemstone in particular, tanzanite, which boasts a gorgeous, peacock-like blue hue, is considered to be about a thousand times rarer than diamond.
Protect Your Investment
You’ll want to keep your diamonds protected no matter where you buy your diamonds or how much you spend. After all, a diamond of any size, shape, or color is an investment and one you won’t want to lose.
With the right jewelry insurance, you can ensure that your diamond has coverage for various unfortunate circumstances, from mysterious loss to theft to accidental damage. Learn more about BriteCo’s comprehensive coverage and get your quote now.
Also Check:
How Much Is a Black Diamond Worth? | BriteCo Jewelry Insurance
How to Identify a Raw Diamond | BriteCo Jewelry Insurance
Heart Cut Diamonds: Love in Every Facet
2023 Diamond Price Trends | BriteCo Jewelry Insurance
Why Are Diamonds So Expensive? | BriteCo Jewelry Insurance
Get a Quote:
The Easy Way to Insure Your Jewelry - and Save Money!
UP NEXT: Types of Chains
Author
