10 Most Valuable Diamonds in the World

Diamonds have always fascinated people with their beauty and rarity, symbolising wealth, power, and mystery. Famous diamonds like the Koh-i-Noor and the Pink Star are highly valuable and rich in history. 

Each diamond has a unique journey, from ancient mines to royal collections, with prices reflecting their special qualities and tales.

This article explores some of the world’s most famous and expensive diamonds, and uncovers the secrets and histories behind their incredible worth

1. The Priceless Cullinan 1 Diamond

The Cullinan I, also known as the Great Star of Africa, is the world’s most valuable cut diamond, weighing 530.2 carats. While it is considered priceless, some experts estimate its value at over $2 billion.

This extraordinary gem was cut from the original rough Cullinan stone and is now set at the top of the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross. The Great Star of Africa holds the distinction of being the most prized item among the English Crown Jewels.

2. The Priceless Cullinan II Diamond

The Cullinan II, also known as the Second Star of Africa, was cut from the original Cullinan Diamond, which weighed an astounding 3,106.75 carats in its rough form. This magnificent diamond was discovered in South Africa in 1905 and later gifted to Britain’s King Edward VII.

The 317.4-carat Cullinan II, considered priceless, is prominently set at the front of the Imperial State Crown, making it a dazzling centerpiece of the British Crown Jewels.

3. The Priceless Koh-i-Noor Diamond

The Koh-i-Noor diamond, known as the “Mountain of Light,” is one of the star attractions of England’s Crown Jewels. This fabled 105.602-carat gemstone is set in the late Queen Mother’s Crown. 

Discovered in the 13th century, the Koh-i-Noor was first owned by the Kakatiya dynasty before it controversially came into the possession of Queen Victoria in 1849 under dubious circumstances.

Since 1947, the Indian government has been actively campaigning for the return of this priceless gem.

4. The Priceless Daria-i-Noor Diamond

      The Daria-i-Noor diamond, meaning “Sea of Light,” is a stunning 186-carat pale pink gem that is part of the Iranian Crown Jewels. 

Discovered in India centuries ago, this exquisite jewel was once owned by the Kakatiya dynasty in the 11th century. Due to its immense historical significance, the Daria-i-Noor is considered priceless.

5. The Blue Hope Diamond

The renowned Blue Hope Diamond, like the Mouawad Blue and Regent diamonds, is said to carry a curse, bringing misfortune to its owners. Despite this, its allure remains undiminished. 

Mined in India in the early 17th century, this 45.52-carat gem has had many owners, including King Louis XIV of France.

Today, the Hope Diamond is part of the Smithsonian Institution’s collection, a prestigious museum and research complex. Its estimated value is a staggering $350 million.

6. The Jacob Diamond

Discovered in 1884, the Jacob Diamond was put up for sale by gemstone trader Alexander Malcolm Jacob in 1891 for 150 Million.

Mahboob Ali Khan, the Nizam of Hyderabad at the time, purchased the stone. Interestingly, the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, used it as a paperweight.

In 1995, the government of India acquired the jewel from the Nizam’s trust for a rumoured $13 million. Today, the Jacob Diamond is valued at an estimated $150 million.

7.       The Witelsbach-Graff Diamond

In 2008, jeweler Laurence Graff purchased the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond at auction for $24.3 million. Graff made controversial changes to the gemstone, recutting it to remove damage and enhance its distinctive color. 

Although the diamond lost 4.52 carats in the process, it now boasts an Internally Flawless (IF) rating, significantly increasing its value.

In 2011, the diamond was sold to the former Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa, for at least $80 million, which is approximately $113 million in today’s money. 

8.   The De Beers Millennium Star

The De Beers Millennium Star, a breathtaking 203.04-carat diamond, remains one of De Beers’ most prized possessions. 

Discovered in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) in 1990, the diamond was meticulously cut using lasers.

First showcased in October 1999, it served as the centerpiece of the De Beers Millennium Diamond Collection. Despite selling its Centenary Diamond, De Beers continues to treasure the Millennium Star, valued at an impressive $100 million.

9. The De Beers Centenary Diamond

Discovered in South Africa’s Cullinan Mine in 1986, the De Beers Centenary Diamond is a stunning 273.85-carat gem, making it one of the largest cut white diamonds in the world.

While it is still famously known as the De Beers Diamond, the company sold this magnificent stone to an anonymous collector several years ago. Its value is estimated at an impressive $100 million.

10. The Pink Star Diamond

In 2017, the renowned Pink Star Diamond set a record as the most expensive cut gemstone ever sold at auction, fetching an astonishing $71.2 million. Adjusted for today’s value, that amounts to a remarkable $91 million.

Initially purchased by diamond cutter Isaac Wolf, he was unable to pay the hefty price. Consequently, the Pink Star Diamond is now owned by the Hong Kong-based company Chow Tai Fook Enterprises.