Biggest Diamond In The World

The title of the biggest diamond in the world can be elusive. The definition depends on what makes a true diamond. Must it be cut or gem-quality? Not surprisingly, both top contenders, the Cullinan and the Golden Jubilee, have histories abundant with royalty, intrigue, and politics.

The Cullinan. At 3,106.75 carats, the Cullinan diamond has held the title of world's largest rough cut diamond since its 1905 discovery. Named after the mine's owner, Sir Thomas Cullinan, the diamond was found to have a black spot in the center, a common defect, but was otherwise remarkable in it's clarity.

It was sold two years later to the Transvaal government for $750,000. A British colony, the Transvaal decided to give the diamond to the crown. Fearing theft, a plot was hatched to transport the diamond from South Africa to Britain. A steamship was hired and loaded with detectives, meant to fool any thieves. Meanwhile, the actual diamond was shipped in a plain, insured crate. Presented to King Edward VII on his birthday, with the purported intention of keeping the diamond in Britain's possession all-time.

In 1908, it was cut into nine major gems, and 96 smaller brilliant cut gems. The two largest pieces were affixed to the Royal Scepter and the Crown. Other pieces were either affixed to other Crown Jewels, or sold. The Crown Jewels are on permanent display in the Tower of London, except during royal functions.

Because it was reportedly found with three natural faces and a rough cleavage face, it has been speculated since its discovery that the diamond was originally part of a larger whole. Rumors persist that the mine's superintendent broke off a piece for himself before turning in the rest. The largest piece, the Cullinan I, is the second largest polished diamond in the world; valued at $400 million.

The Golden Jubilee. Discovered in 1985, after being cut and polished it weighed 545.67 carats, making it the largest polished diamond in the world. Originally known as the Unnamed Brown, it was not considered a great find. Despite being large, its muddy color meant it wasn't gem quality. With the discovery of the flawless Centenary diamond the following year, the Unnamed Brown was given to DeBeers as a stone to test new tools intended to be used on the Centenary.

The result surprised everyone when a fire-rose cushion cut emerged. Still, the diamond didn't receivemuch publicity, as the Centenary was already DeBeer's flagship diamond for their 1988 centennial anniversary. Instead, it first received real-world attention upon it's exhibit in Thailand. The mile-long lines to see it outstripped all other exhibits, making it well known in Asia. Eventually, businessman Henry Ho purchased the diamond from DeBeers in 1995, with the intention of presenting it to the king of Thailand for his 50^th year on the throne. Before that, it was blessed by the Pope, then Thailand's Supreme Buddhist Patriarch and Supreme Imam.

The diamond finally received its name from the king after it's presentation. Despite plans to mount it in the king's Royal Scepter and later the Grand Seal, it remains unmounted. Its been displayed across the world, but currently resides with Thailand's Crown Jewels in the Royal Palace.

After Asia's 1997 economic collapse, fearing anger from their populace over such a decadent item, the government told its citizens that the diamond was merely a topaz. Since it has been hidden away, estimates of its value range between $4-12 million.

The Disputed Champions. Depending on the measures used, the biggest diamond in the world could be the uncut Cullinan. If the largest diamond must be whole, it is the Golden Jubilee. If it must be whole and gem quality, then the Cullinan holds the title. By any account, all are remarkable, beautiful gems.