Why Do We Marvel at Large Diamonds?

Genetically, we are attracted to things that sparkle because it signaled to our ancestors the presence of a body of water. However, we are also fascinated by large diamonds because they’re rare. “Whether the diamond is mined or created, it simply is harder to produce a large diamond than it is a smaller diamond,” says Grace Taylor, VRAI’s Chief of Sales and Customer Experience. “Rarity factors (color, clarity) are compounded by larger diamonds as well, as the larger the diamond is, the more likely it is to be exposed to conditions that increase apparent color or visible inclusions.”

The Mystique of Historical Large Diamonds

Royal houses, industrial dynasties, and Hollywood stars have turned large diamonds into subjects of endless fascination. These diamonds symbolize opulence, power, and give the illusion of a fairy-tale life. Many storied large diamonds have become famous in diamond history.

The Cullinan Diamond

At 3,106 carats, the Cullinan is the largest gem-quality diamond ever found. The discovery took place in 1905 in the Cullinan mine in South Africa. The Asscher family was tasked with cutting it in 1907. It produced nine major stones, and the Cullinan I and II are part of the British Crown Jewels. Cullinan I is a Pear shaped diamond and weighs 530 carats and is set on top of the Sovereign Sceptre. Cullinan II is an Elongated Cushion and weighs 317.4 carat and is set in the front of the Imperial State Crown.

The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond

The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond is a fancy deep grayish blue diamond that comes from the Kollur mine, and it originally weighed 35.56 carats. It now measures 31.06 carats because it had to be recut to enhance its color, clarity, and remove the damage to its girdle.The Wittelsbach-Graff was a heirloom belonging to Austrian royalty until it was sold at auction in 2008 to Laurence Graff.

The Krupp Diamond (or Elizabeth Taylor Diamond)

The Krupp diamond is an Asscher diamond weighing 33.19 carats, which Richard Burton gifted to Elizabeth Taylor in 1968. Taylor wore it as a ring, and referred to it as her favorite piece of jewelry. After her death, the Krupp was rechristened “The Elizabeth Taylor diamond.”

The Taylor Burton Diamond

The Taylor Burton comes from South Africa and was mined in 1966. It is a Pear diamond weighing 69.42 carats. In its original rough state, it weighed 241 carats. Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor purchased it in 1969. At the time of the Burton-Taylor purchase, it was set on a platinum ring, but it was then mounted on a $80,000 diamond necklace.

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