That humanity always has been fascinated by diamonds, is nothing new. Nobody can resist the beautiful sparkle of a diamond. Like if it is in our DNA. Some diamonds have made such a big impression, that they have made history. A selection of world´s most famous diamonds, which every lover should know. 

The Amsterdam-diamond

A unique diamond found by of our northern neighbors. The Amsterdam-diamond is a rare black diamond of 33,74 carat from South Africa. The stone owes its name to her buyers D. Drukker & Zn. from Amsterdam. The rough stone originally weighed 55,74 carat and is cut into a pear shape diamond of 33,74 carat. This wasn´t easy, but resulted in exceptional beauty. In 1973 the diamond was presented for the first time in a beautiful diamond pendant to the public. The stone was baptized into the ´Amsterdam Diamond´, in honor if the city that once was one of the major diamond centers in the world. In 2001 the stone was auctioned for $352.000 at Christie´s auction house.

Tiffany diamond

The Tiffany diamond perhaps appeals most to the imagination. This yellow diamond is one of the largest diamonds ever found. The stone was discovered in 1878 in the South African Kimberly mine and weighed 287,42 carat. After the cutting process the stone was accounted for 128,54 carat. The New York jeweler Tiffany and Co bought this exceptional diamond and still owns it. The Tiffany has a cushion shape and reflects excellent craftsmanship. The diamond is known to have been worn by only two women during its lifetime. It was worn by Mrs. Sheldon at the Tiffany Ball in Newport, as a diamond pendant. And none other than Audrey Hepburn, who starred in 1961 with this iconic jewel at the world famous blockbuster Breakfast at Tiffany´s.

Koh-i-Noor

The Koh-i-Noor of 109 carat is the largest diamond in the world and the main stone of the British royal crown. The name literally means "Mountain of Light". In its raw state it weighed 793 carat. The stone was found in the 13th century in India and has the longest history of all diamonds. For centuries there was blood shed to the Koh-i-Noor. Until it was stolen in 1849 by the British and became a centerpiece of the British crown jewels. Some even say that the diamond is cursed by its bloody past and therefore only worn by female members of the royal family. Since then the Koh-i-Noor is displayed in the Tower of London.

Hope diamond

The Hope diamond was discovered in India in 1642 and transferred to Europe. As a rough diamond it weighed 112 carat and after the cutting process the diamond accounted for 67,50 carat. It is special because of its rare blue color. The deep blue diamond was once owned by Louis XIV, which gave it the name ‘Le bleu de France’. Later in 1830 the diamond was named Hope, named after the former owner from London. A name that is rather contradictory to the stories behind the stone. The Hope diamond has been surrounded of a reputed curse, whereby former owners were deceased under mysterious circumstances. The Hope is exhibited as a beautiful diamond pendant at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington.

Eureka

This diamond was the beginning of a serious Diamond Rush in South Africa. It was the first diamond found in South Africa, in 1866. The rough stone of 21,25 carat was accidentally discovered by the 15-year old Erasmus Jacobs on the farm of his father. He played with it like a toy, not knowing that it was a valuable diamond. The weight of the Eureka is 10,73 carat and is displayed at the Kimberley mine museum in South Africa.

Are you inspired to buy a diamond pendant or jewel? At BAUNAT we are happy to assist when making your choice. 

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