10. The Millennium Star
Weight: 203.04 carats
The
Millennium Star is internally and externally flawless pear-shaped
diamond (total of 54 facets). With the weight of 203.04 carats it is the
10th largest diamond in the world. Originally, the rough stone was 777
carats found in the Mbuji-Mayi district of Zaire (Democratic Republic of
the Congo) in 1990. After 5 months of studying and planning the cutting
of the stone, it was decided to cut the rough diamond into three
pieces. The Millennium Star is the outcome of the largest piece. The
value of the stone hasn't been revealed but the Millennium Star was
insured for 100 million English pounds, this is believed to be a
fraction of its true worth.9. The Red Cross
Weight: 205.07 carats
The
Red Cross is canary yellow cushion-shaped diamond with weight of 205.07
carats. The rough stone weighed 375 carats and was found in Kimberly
mines (South Africa) in 1901. The diamond was presented as a gift to the
art sale held in London by Christies in 1918, on behalf of the British
Red Cross Society and the Order of St. John. Another rare feature is
that a Maltese Cross is distinctly visible in the top facet, hence the
double appropriateness of its name, the Red Cross Diamond.8. The De Beers
Weight: 234.65 carats
The
De Beers diamond was found in Kimberly mines in 1888, the rough stone
weighed 428.50 carats and measured 47.6 mm through its longest axis and
38.1 mm square. Weighing 234.65 carats, the De Beers is the 8th largest
faceted diamond in the world. After its display in Paris the Maharaja of
Patiala bought the De Beers. In 1928 Cartier of Paris set it as the
centerpiece of a ceremonial necklace that came to be known as the
Patiala Necklace. The necklace originally contained about 2,930 diamonds
weighing about 962.25 carats. Today's whereabouts of the De Beers
diamond and the Patiala Nacklace is unknown.
7. The Jubilee
Weight: 245.35 carats
The
Jubilee is a colorless cushion-shaped diamond with a weight of 245.35
carats. The original rough stone, an irregular octahedron without
definite faces or shape weighed 650.80 carats and was found in the
Jagersfontein Mine towards the end of 1895. When during the cutting it
became evident that a superb diamond of exceptional purity and size was
being produced, it was planned to present it to Queen Victoria. In the
end this did not happen and the diamond remained with its owners. The
following year marked the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria (the 75th
anniversary of her coronation) so the gem was renamed the Jubilee to
commemorate the occasion.6. The Centenary
Weight: 273.85 carats
The
Centenary was found in Premier mine in 1986, in its rough form it
weighed 599 carats. When cutting was completed the Centenary weighed
273.85 carats, measured 39.90 × 50.50 × 24.55 mm, and had 247 facets -
164 on the stone and 83 around its girdle. Never before had such a high
number of facets been polished onto a diamond. The true value of the
Centenary diamond is unknown, but the diamond was insured for around
$100 million in 1991.5. The Spirit of de Grisogono
Weight: 312.24
The
Spirit of de Grisogono, at 312.24 carats, is the world's largest cut
black diamond, and world's 5th largest diamond. In a white gold
mounting, it is set with 702 white diamonds totaling 36.69 carats. This
diamond originally had a rough weight of 587 carats and was mined
several decades ago in west Central Africa before being imported into
Switzerland.4. The Cullinan II
Weight: 317.40 carats
The
Cullinan II is the massive 317.40 carat cushion shaped diamond in the
center-front of the Imperial State Crown of Great Britain. Cullinan II
was cut from the largest gem-quality diamond ever found, it weighed 3106
carats, or about 1 1/3 pounds. It was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan,
who opened the mine and was visiting on that eventful day. The nine
larger stones of the Cullinan diamond remain either in the British Crown
Jewels or in the personal possession of the Royal Family.3. The Incomparable
Weight: 407.48 carats
The
Incomparable, in its rough state weighing 890 carats, was found in the
town of Mbuji Mayi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire)
in the 1980s. Four years were spent studying and then cutting the stone,
the biggest piece of rough ultimately yielded a gem weighing 407.48
carats; it is the third largest diamond ever cut. Internally flawless
clarity and fancy brownish-yellow in color, it measures 53.90 × 35.19 ×
28.18 mm.2. The Cullinan I - aka the Star of Africa
Weight: 530.20 carats
The
Cullinan I, a pear shaped diamond weighing 530.20 carats is also known
as the Star of Africa. It measures 53mm x 44mm x 29mm, and has 76
facets. It's called the Cullinan I because it is the largest of 9 large
stones cut from the 3106 carat Cullinan Diamond. Cullinan I was placed
by King Edward in the Sovereign's Royal Sceptre as part of the Crown
Jewels, and it is now on display in the tower of London. Estimated value
of Cullinan I is over $400 million!1. The Golden Jubilee
Weight: 545.67 carats
The
Golden Jubilee, with the weight of 545.67 carats, is the largest
faceted diamond in the world. Rough stone weighed 755 carats and was
discovered in Premier mine, South Africa in 1985. The Golden Jubilee was
presented to the King of Thailand in 1997 for his Golden Jubilee - the
50th anniversary of his coronation. Prior to this event, the stone was
simply known as the Unnamed Brown. Estimated value of the Golden Jubilee
is $4-$12 million.