The Most Notable Diamonds in the World

This is an interesting subject. For one it is a rather curious one in that there is some confusion with respect to the categorisation of the diamonds that should make up such a list. For some, the topic of the most notable diamond would bring to mind some of the top diamond varieties: that is the various diamonds that vary with respect to colour, rarity and cut.

On the other hand, the notability of the diamonds in question would be based on the stone’s popularity, distinct characteristics and most critically the size or carat. In addition, there is also the historical component, and the specific usage of the stone as it currently exists.

So this opens up some interesting points on the classification of the top diamonds in the world, and why they are considered the most notable or valuable. These are some of the points we will engage in this Education page, along with a list of what we consider are the most notable diamonds in the world.

What Makes a Notable Diamond?

Before we actually get to the list of the most notable diamonds in the world it is important to lay some groundwork on what exactly makes a diamond among the most notable in the world. This is an interesting and somewhat complex question to answer, as there are a number of lists online on what is supposed to make up the top or most notable diamonds.

Some of these lists are clearly biased in favour of certain types of diamonds that the diamond jewellery company that develops it, counts among the best. Other lists, curiously focus on top diamond varieties. Which as we mentioned above tends to refer to certain rare variants, generally fancy-coloured stones.

In this list, we have picked out a selection of 7 top diamonds in the world that are ranked in accordance to their rarity and historical value. These are determined by their carat, in relation to their gem quality standard, along with the cultural recognition they have garnered over the years. Note that this list of the top 7 most notable diamonds in the world is not meant as ranking from the best to least best.

1. The Great Star of Africa or Cullinan I

No better place to start than with the Dark Continent. The part of the world where diamond mining and the industry as a whole really took off. The notable diamond on our list is the Great Star of Africa. A diamond, that true to its name is a massive stone: weighing in over 530 carats it truly is a great stone. First discovered in the highest of the diamond mining era of the early 20th century, in 1905. The gem is named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, a South African (British) diamond magnate. Who was the owner of the diamond mine where the gemstone was found?

It is interesting to note, that this carbon-based gemstone comes in a series of gems that were named after the owner of the mine, with this one being the largest. At the time South Africa as a part of the British empire meant that the connection with Britain meant it was adopted by the British monarchy becoming a part of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. In recent years there have been calls for the stone to be returned to the native land.

2. The Golden Jubilee Diamond

Considered to be the largest albeit faceted (cut and shaped) carbon-based gemstone in the world, the Golden Jubilee Diamond is a true giant. When many in the industry will be taken by a diamond that weighs over a few grams, this giant is well over a hundred. The total carat of the stone comes in at 545.67 carats and remains as the top gemstone in this list.

Another gem of royal proportions, the Golden Jubilee diamond was discovered in 1985 at the Premier Mine. Interestingly is the same mine where the Star of Africa was discovered. This diamond is known for its distinct goldish-brown hue and technically may qualify as a yellow or coloured diamond. The diamond was presented to the king of Thailand in 1997 for his Golden Jubilee, hence its name. And it was even apparently blessed by Pope John Paul II.

3. The Centenary Diamond

Another massive diamond that calls the Premier mine of South Africa its home is the Centenary Diamond. Weighing in at over 273 carats is among rare large diamonds that feature flawless colour. Those who have read our Educational content would know that diamond colour is graded according to a scale by the GIA ranging from (D – Z). With D being the top or colourless variety. The Centenary diamond is unique in that features a D colour grade. The gem was found in 1986 about a year after the previous. The name of the stone was given to mark the centennial anniversary of De Beers Consolidated Mines on May 11, 1988: one the pioneering companies in the world diamond trade.

4. The Regent

A rather unique entrant in this list is that carbon stone known as The Regent was sourced from India. A one-time great diamond source, and one of the, if not the oldest region in the world, known for its diamond mining heritage. This historic diamond was discovered in 1701-at a time when the commercial diamond trade, led by African nations was yet to take off. It was found by an Indian slave near Golconda, near Hyderabad. The massive stone coming in at 410 carats in its uncut form was then owned by British Prime Minister William Pitt. Following the shaping and faceting of the stone it went down to 140.50 carats as a cushion-shaped brilliant diamond. And was later sold to the Duke of Orleans: who was then the Regent of France ruling on behalf of Louis XV who was still a boy. This was in the year 1717. The Regent diamond eventually found its way to King Louis XV's crown. Then passing to Napoleon Bonaparte who set the diamond on the hilt of his sword. Today it is now on display in the Louvre.

5. Hortensia 

A rather unique entrant to this list is the Hortensia. Named after the Queen consort of Holland, Hortense de Beauhamais, who was interesting of French origin. In contrast to the gigantic diamonds that we have seen so far, the Hortensia diamond comes in at just 20 carats. However, the stone’s fame is based on its rich history. The most notable fact is that this diamond at one point adorned the uniform of none other than the great Napoleon Bonaparte.

The ring dates back to the late-1600s, but it gained prominence during the reign of the great French ruler in the early part of the 19th century. A diamond that experiences the flux of political upheavals of revolutionary France and the changing guard at its high courts. But its association with the French Royal is still unclear. One explanation is the notoriety of her lifestyle. With her relationship with the French ruler, her failed marriage, and parenting her fourth child from a different father. Today the Hortensia is on display at the Galerie d’Apollon of the Louvre museum with the other French crown jewels.

6. The Blue Hope

No discussion of the world’s famous diamonds is complete without a discussion of The Blue Hope. Considered by many to be one of the, if not the most famous diamonds in the world, their history and fame are quite interesting. Some might say that being the most notable need not always be for the best reasons. Sometimes even infamy could count as fame. Which is what we get with the Blue Hope. Which despite its hopeful name is a rather curious case.

Another great diamond that traces its origins to India, the carbon-based stone was discovered at the midpoint of the 17th century (though the actual origins are likely to be much older). And given its size and beauty was the subject of fascination among the mystical locals. Coming at over 45 carats it is not the largest on the list but the magic surrounding the stone rests on its distinct blue hue.

Those who have followed our study of diamonds would know that blue diamonds are a special category of carbon-based stones that make up the fancy coloured (or coloured diamond) range. These are exceptionally rare stones, as the presence of colour, particularly blue hue and in dark shades is a special variant. The Blue Hope hits all of these points and is recognised as such.

Now there are some conflicting stories regarding the history of the Hope diamond. The main source points to an explorer named Henry Thomas Hope who is believed to have discovered the southern, and central regions of India. A stone that along with its size with its deep blue caught the eye and imagination of those in its presence. Here things get a bit fuzzy. Some state that The Hope Diamond is the same as the famous Blue Tavernier Diamond that was brought to Europe by a French traveller named Tavernier. Which later found its way to the French King Louis XIV, but amid the chaos of the French Revolution the diamond was lost.

It was at this point that the legends surrounding the bad luck associated with the stone started to spring up. And that during the dark times when it was lost, those who did own it, from jewellers to thieves who had it was subject to a terrible fate. The name of the Diamond is based on its British owner Henry Philip Hope. ALondoner got hold of the stone in 1830, but upon its entry, bad luck ensued with his family being visited by poverty.

After a number of other owners, who also faced bad luck, it was concluded that the stone is not to be owned by viewed from afar and admired. Thus the Blue Hope found its way into the Smithsonian Institute in Washington in 1958.

7. The Millennium Star

Closing off our list of the most notable diamond in the world is a diamond that comes with a magnificent name. And true to its name this diamond is visually stunning, considering the Millennium Start to be the most captivating diamond in the world. And it certainly has the features to back this claim.

First, the Millennium Star comes in at over 203 carats in its cut and polished state. Its rough uncut size is known to be over 770 carats! This diamond is a relatively new entrant, being discovered in the Central African nation of Zaire (now DRC) by a villager in an alluvial (secondary) deposit. The stone was purchased by the great De Beers company and was then subjected to an extensive, cutting, shaping and polishing programme that took the diamond across continents, from Belgium to Europe, South Africa, and the United States.

In its final cut form the Millennium Star was a sight to behold: a pear-shaped diamond with a total of 54 facets, it showcases a top colour grade of D: the highest in the diamond industry. And making things even more special is the clarity of the stone: being graded as internally and externally flawless. A truly magnificent feat for any diamond anywhere in the world. Making the Millennium Star one of the most remarkable gemstones in the world.