As a luxury lover, diamonds are at the top of the list when we talk about expensive or luxury things. Diamonds are among the rarest and most expensive treasures on Earth. Diamonds are the symbol of wealth, luxury, and beauty. Over centuries, some diamonds have gained legendary status not just for their rare qualities but also because of the attractive stories behind them. We’ll look closer at the top 10 most expensive diamonds in the world, each known for their uniqueness, rich history, and extraordinary value.
1. The Koh-I-Noor Diamond – Priceless
The Koh-I-Noor, meaning “Mountain of Light,” is a diamond that defines luxury of its cultural and historical significance. This diamond belongs to India and has passed through the hands of Persian, Mughal, and British royalty. The weight of Koh-I-Noor is about 105.6 carats, and currently it is set in the British Crown Jewels. It adorns the coronation crown of the Queen Consort. The diamond’s price is impossible to estimate, as it is considered a national treasure. Despite controversies over ownership, its fame remains one of the most expensive diamonds in the world.
| Feature | Details |
| Weight | 105.6 carats |
| Origin | India |
| Current Owner | British Crown Jewels |
| Notable Feature | Priceless historical and royal significance |
2. The Cullinan Diamond – $400 Million
The largest rough diamond ever discovered, originally weighing 3,106 carats, is the Cullinan Diamond. In 1905, someone found it in South Africa and cut it into nine large stones and numerous smaller ones. The most significant cut, Cullinan I, is a 530.2-carat gem known as the “Great Star of Africa.” It is present in the British Sovereign’s Scepter. The price of this diamond is around $400 million; the Cullinan’s extraordinary size and clarity make it one of the most expensive diamonds. Its discovery and extraordinary cutting marked a significant moment in gemstone history.
| Feature | Details |
| Weight | Original: 3,106 carats; Largest cut: 530.2 carats |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Current Owner | British Crown Jewels |
| Notable Feature | Largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found |
Related Article: Top 10 Luxury Jewelry Brands in 2024
3. The Hope Diamond – $250 Million
The Hope Diamond is a 45.52-carat deep-blue gem with a fascinating and mysterious history. Discovered in India, it gained fame for its unique blue color, caused by trace amounts of boron. The diamond now resides safely in the Smithsonian Institution. Valued at $250 million, its deep color and brilliant cut make it one of the most famous diamonds globally. The Hope Diamond’s beauty and reputation have charmed millions of admirers for centuries.
| Feature | Details |
| Weight | 45.52 carats |
| Origin | India |
| Current Owner | Smithsonian Institution |
| Notable Feature | Deep-blue color and historical lore |
4. The Centenary Diamond – $100 Million
The Centenary Diamond weighs 273.85 carats and is famous for its smooth clarity and exceptional cut. It was first found in South Africa’s Premier Mine in 1986. The cutting and polishing of this diamond took nearly three years. Valued at $100 million, the diamond’s D-color grading, which is entirely colorless, adds to its rarity. Its remarkable heart-like shape and radiant brilliance symbolize perfection and luxury. Currently, its ownership remains private, adding an air of exclusivity.
| Feature | Details |
| Weight | 273.85 carats |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Current Owner | Private |
| Notable Feature | D-color grading and clarity |
5. The Pink Star Diamond – $71.2 Million
The Pink Star is a 59.60-carat glowing pink diamond that broke auction records when it sold for $71.2 million in 2017. Mined in Africa, the diamond is famous for its perfect color saturation and enormous size. Its glowing pink color and internally perfect grading make it a wonder of nature. As one of the largest and most expensive diamonds ever sold, the Pink Star’s attraction lies in its rarity and aesthetic perfection.
| Feature | Details |
| Weight | 59.60 carats |
| Origin | Africa |
| Current Owner | Chow Tai Fook Enterprises |
| Notable Feature | Glowing pink color and flawless grading |
6. The Winston Blue Diamond – $23.8 Million
The Winston Blue is a pear-shaped, 13.22-carat vivid blue diamond auctioned for $23.8 million. Its stunning shade of blue and impeccable artistry make it a great gem. Harry Winston purchased this diamond as a signature piece of the brand’s legacy. Its minor size compared to others on this list does not diminish its exceptional value and beauty. That’s why it is on the list of the most expensive diamonds in the world until 2024.
| Feature | Details |
| Weight | 13.22 carats |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Current Owner | Harry Winston |
| Notable Feature | Vivid blue color and pear shape |
7. The Wittelsbach Diamond – $23.4 Million
The Wittelsbach Diamond is a stunning 31.06-carat deep-blue gem with a prominent history from the 17th century. Originally part of the Austrian and Bavarian Crown Jewels, this diamond has an exceptional color, clarity, and work. In 2008, experts recut it to enhance its brilliance, sparking debates about preserving its historic integrity. Despite the controversy, the diamond was sold for $23.4 million at an auction, reflecting its great value. This diamond is now in the possession of a private collector, continuing to be the most expensive diamond worldwide.
| Feature | Details |
| Weight | 31.06 carats |
| Origin | India |
| Current Owner | Chow Tai Fook |
| Notable Feature | Deep blue color and royal history |
8. The Perfect Pink Diamond – $23.2 Million
The Perfect Pink diamond is a rare rectangular-cut gem weighing 14.23 carats. As its name suggests, the diamond is famous for its pink color, which is incredibly rare in nature. In 2010, it sold for $23.2 million at an auction in Hong Kong, setting a record for pink diamonds. The gem’s Type IIa classification ensures it is impurities-free, giving it clarity. Its beautiful cut enhances its brilliance, making it a prized possession for any collector. The Perfect Pink proves how nature’s artistry can create something beautiful.
| Feature | Details |
| Weight | 14.23 carats |
| Origin | Australia |
| Current Owner | Chow Tai Fook |
| Notable Feature | Flawless pink color and Type IIa purity |
9. The Moussaieff Red Diamond – $20 Million
The Moussaieff Red Diamond is one of the rarest and most expensive diamonds in the world, weighing only 5.11 carats. Despite its relatively small size, it holds great value due to its glowing red color. Discovered by a Brazilian farmer in the 1990s, it was later purchased and cut by Moussaieff Jewelers. The gem’s unique triangular cut enhances its brilliance, making it a showstopper. Experts value it at $20 million, considering it the most expensive red diamond ever sold. Its rarity and beauty continue to fascinate collectors and gem enthusiasts globally.
| Feature | Details |
| Weight | 5.11 carats |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Current Owner | Moussaieff Jewelers |
| Notable Feature | Glowing red color and rarity |
10. The Heart of Eternity Diamond – $16 Million
The Heart of Eternity is a 27.64-carat heart-shaped blue diamond valued at $16 million. Mined in South Africa’s Premier Diamond Mine, it is one of the rarest diamonds worldwide due to its blue color and clarity. Initially made public by the Steinmetz Group, it became part of a private collection. Its unique shape and beautiful color make it a symbol of love and luxury. The Heart of Eternity remains a dream acquisition for diamond enthusiasts and collectors alike.
| Feature | Details |
| Weight | 27.64 carats |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Current Owner | Private Collector |
| Notable Feature | Heart shape and blue color |
Wrapping Up
These stones have become priceless treasures admired by royalty, collectors, and investors worldwide. These most expensive diamonds represent a fascinating mix of natural beauty, history, and extraordinary work. Each diamond on this list has its own unique story, making it more than just a gemstone. From the Koh-I-Noor’s royal legacy to the Moussaieff Red’s stunning rarity, these treasures remind us why diamonds continue to attract the world.
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FAQs
1. Why is the Koh-I-Noor priceless?
The Koh-I-Noor is priceless because of its historical significance and royal legacy. It has been part of the British Crown Jewels and is considered a symbol of power and prestige.
2. What is the most expensive diamond ever sold?
The Pink Star holds the record for the most expensive diamond ever sold, fetching $71.2 million at auction in 2017.
3. Which diamond is the largest in the world?
The Cullinan Diamond is the most giant gem-quality diamond ever discovered, originally weighing 3,106 carats in its rough state.
4. Are blue diamonds rarer than white diamonds?
Yes, blue diamonds, like the Hope Diamond and the Winston Blue, are rarer than white diamonds due to the trace boron that gives them their color.
5. What makes the Moussaieff Red Diamond unique?
The Moussaieff Red is unique because of its vivid red color, the rarest color found in diamonds, and its exceptional triangular cut.
6. What is the origin of the most famous diamonds?
Many famous diamonds, such as the Koh-I-Noor and the Hope Diamond, were originally mined in India, which is known historically for its rich deposits of rare gemstones.
7. What is a Type IIa diamond?
Type IIa diamonds, like the Centenary Diamond, are the purest form of diamonds. They contain no nitrogen impurities, making them extremely rare and valuable.
8. Why are pink diamonds so expensive?
Pink diamonds, like the Pink Star, are expensive due to their rarity and intense color, which results from unique structural anomalies during their formation.
9. Can diamonds with a controversial history still be sold?
Diamonds with controversial histories, like the Koh-I-Noor or the Wittelsbach Diamond, are often retained as treasures or sold privately, but their legacy can significantly influence their perceived value.
