Written by Laura | 17th July 2020
Diamonds are April's birthstone and a symbol of enduring love and prosperity. They've long been courted (and used in courtship) as the pinnacle of gemstones. But what's the most expensive diamond ever to be sold? We went to discover which 10 diamonds are worth more than the rest.
The orange - 32 million euros
This 14.82-carat bright orange diamond broke a world record when it sold for 32 million euros in 2013. Generally, pink and blue diamonds are the most sought after, but this rare gem took the world by surprise with its clementine coloring and compact size.
Proof that orange is a hot color, this gem sold for 32 million euros
This diamond is priced at a staggering 33 million euros
A rectangular 24.78-carat diamond, classified in coloring by the Gemological Institute of America as a “fancy vivid pink” - the top classification of saturation. Laurence Graff, known as 'the King of Bling', bought the diamond for 38.7 million euros and it has now been fitted onto a ring. Talk about a pricey accessory.
This diamond has now been fitted onto a ring - undoubtedly a statement piece for any wearer
Pink Star - 60.7 million euros
This bright pink beauty, formerly known as the Steinmetz Pink, is the largest pink diamond ever discovered. It's even been bestowed the title of 'Vivid Pink' - the Gemological Institute of America's top classification. The 59.60-carat diamond was bought by diamond cutter Isaac Wolf in 2014 for 60.7 million euros, but it turned out he was unable to pay for it. Currently, it is estimated to be worth 60.7 million euros.
The Steinmetz Pink diamond is the largest of pink gem ever discovered
Wittelsbach Graff - 67.4 million euros
The Wittelsbach Graff is a beautiful blue diamond, discovered in India over 300 years ago. The 35.56-carat diamond was part of the Austrian Crown Jewels for some time, after which it was bought by Laurence Graff. The jeweler had diamond cutters remove flaws, causing a stir within historical circles who opposed this kind of. In 2011, it was sold to the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Chalifa, for 67.4 million euros.
This jewel was sold for over 67 million euros. Image source: The Jewelery Editor
The de Beers Centenary Diamond - 84.2 million euros
This colorless diamond, named after the de Beers Consolidated Mines, is classified with the highest grade of colorless diamond - a grade D color. This means it is internally and externally flawless. It weighs 273.85 carats, although the original cut weighed an astonishing 599 carats.
Before it was cut, this diamond weighed 599 carats
The Hope Diamond - 250 million euros
This mystical 45.52 carats diamond might initially seem blue, but under ultraviolet light reveals a red phosphor look. It is believed to be cursed, bringing bad luck to anyone who owns it. Legend has it was stolen from a Hindustan statue, and when the priests found out they cursed the diamond. You can see it (without any prospect of being cursed) in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington DC.
This diamond is alleged to be cursed - bringing bad luck to the owner or wearer
The Cullinan - 337 million euros
The Cullinan is the largest rough gem quality ever found. Even polished, it is still incredibly large, with 530.2 carats and has been dubbed 'The Great Star of Africa'. Currently, it is part of the British Crown Jewels.
This diamond is also known as 'The Great Star of Africa'
The Sancy - unknown
You'll find this yellow diamond in the French Crown Jewel collection in the Louvre in Paris, but it's had many owners over the years. It was named after Nicolas de Harlay, seigneur de Sancy, a French soldier and diplomat from the 16th century. The pale yellow diamond is 55.23 carats and shaped, conveniently, like a shield. As it's so rare and expensive, the exact value is unknown - though it's certainly not something to take into battle with you.
The exact value of the diamond is still not known Photo: Small Talks
Koh-i-Noor - priceless
The most expensive diamond in the world, this 105.6- carats, fine, white diamond has passed through many (mainly royal hands) since it was discovered in 1294. Various Sikh, Mughal and Persian rulers owned it and lost it again due to their countries losses was in.In 1850, however, the Koh-i-Noor - to mean "mountain of light" in Persian - was confiscated by the British East India Company and is now the property of the British Crown. The exact value of the Koh-i-Noor diamond is unknown, however, whispers can be heard saying it is valued at over 1 billion euros.
Rumor has it this diamond is worth over a billion euros.
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