Diamonds are among the most sought-after naturally occurring substances found by man. The most coveted diamonds are those that display exceptional color and clarity and are of considerable size. Blue, pink and red diamonds are the rarest of them all with price tags to match. The most expensive diamonds in the world are out of reach by the majority, but that doesn’t stop us from gazing. Top jewelry designers take their inspiration from these beauties to create some of the most expensive engagement rings of all time.
These exceptional gems have intrigued the world with their timeless beauty and unparalleled worth. The historical and societal significance of these gems has only served to increase their value. Diamonds have long been possessions of royalty often embroiled in controversy. Today, some of the wealthiest compete for a little piece of nature’s unearthed treasure. If diamonds aren’t your thing, check our list of birthstones by month to find the gem that’s best for you.
Discover 12 of the most expensive diamonds in the world, a representation of extraordinary opulence:
12-Allnatt Diamond: $3.043 million:
Major Alfred Ernest Allnatt, a British businessman and art collector, has been immortalized in the namesake of this 101.29 carat Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond. It is thought to have originated from the De Beers Premier mine in South Africa, before Major Allnatt purchased it in the 1950s and commissioned Cartier to make a flower shaped setting for it. Colored diamonds over 100 carats are incredibly rare and this particular specimen is one of the largest yellow diamonds ever found. At its initial sale by Christie’s Geneva at auction in May 1996 it had weighed 102.07 carats and was graded as a Fancy Intense Yellow; after being bought by SIBA Corporation the stone was regraded as a Fancy Vivid Yellow, eventually selling for an impressive $3,043,496 USD.
11-Kohinoor: priceless:
The Kohinoor diamond is perhaps the most sought-after item in the world. Lovingly referred to as the Mountain of Light, given its classic name of Kohinoor in Persian, this precious stone has been awarded priceless status due to its unique features and unparalleled brilliance. The diamond was once said to have weighed around 793 carats before it was cut down to bring out its perfection. However, there is a long and complicated controversy surrounding ownership of the gemstone that extends all the way back to when India was under colonial rule. Many believe that the British Empire stole it from India, leading to an ongoing debate around who should take possession of this miraculous piece, which is sure to continue for many years to come.
| Origin: | Golconda, India |
| Carat Weight: | 105.6 carats |
| Cut: | Oval |
10-Golden Jubilee Diamond: $12 million:
The Golden Jubilee Diamond is renowned for its size, with a weight of 109.13g and 545.67 carats. What makes this brown diamond so special, is the golden hue that it radiates from its round brilliant cut. Discovered in the Premier Mine in South Africa in 1985, it was initially called “Unknown Brown” due to its dark shade at the time. It also came with multiple cracks processed within, so De Beers paid famed cutter Gabriel Tolkowsky to conduct the remarkable task of polishing it down. By tinkering inside an originated vibration-proof underground chamber, his team of experts was able to reduce the original 755.50 ct gemstone into a beautiful 545.57-carat diamond two years later. Now one of the most iconic jewelleries around – living proof of the rewards offered by hard work and dedication – this Golden Jubilee Diamond continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its grandeur and beauty alike.
In a grand and spectacular ceremony, a team of Thai businessmen, led by Henry Ho, celebrated the 50th coronation anniversary of King Bhumibol with a very special present—a huge diamond! As a symbol of their love and admiration for the royal family, they presented the diamond to King Bhumibol’s daughter, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The diamond was not only an example of luxury and extravagance but also an incredibly meaningful gift from the Thai businessmen to honor the occasion. The large and dazzling diamond reflects just how much celebration was associated with the coronation anniversary of King Bhumibol’s reign.
9-The Cullinan Diamond: $400 million upward:
The discovery of the Cullinan Diamond, or ‘Star of Africa’, in 1905 is undoubtedly one of the most significant diamond finds ever. An impressive 3,106.75 carats in its rough state, the stone revolutionised not just jewellery but also heralded a wave of exploration and prospecting for diamonds all over the world. Over time, it was cut into 9 main stones and mirrored some of the majestic beauty seen in nature when it first arrived from mines. Today, these precious gems form part of Britain’s Crown Jewels and are among the world’s most famous diamonds with other smaller pieces from this distinguished stone cutting a glittering path across the centuries.
| Origin: | Cullinan, South Africa |
| Carat Weight: | 530.2 carats |
| Cut: | Pendeloque |
8-The Sancy Diamond: $6 million:
This pale yellow 55.23 carat diamond, known as The Sancy Diamond, is more than just a precious gemstone – it has a long and fascinating history. Originally two diamonds, it was given to Valentina Visconti when she married Louis I, Duke of Orleans in the 15th century and eventually became one large gemstone. Since then, the diamond has made its way into possession by several royal figures including King Manuel I of Portugal, Henry III of France, Henry IV, King James VI, Charles I and James II. Many of these royals have interesting stories associated with the diamond; for instance when Henry III wore a cap adorned with this diamond to hide his baldness. It takes its name from the Seigneur de Sancy- Nicolas de Harlay who was an important French diplomat and jewelry collector in his time. The story behind this captivating stone makes it even more remarkable than its beauty alone would suggest.
William Waldorf Astor purchased The Sancy in 1906, beginning a long stretch of ownership for the world-renowned diamond. Splendidly cut with facets and point shapes, the Sancy was admired equally by noblemen and emperors alike throughout its original pre-Astor history. For seventy-two years it remained with the Astors, until 1978 when they finally decided to part ways with it, selling it to The Louvre in Paris. Current estimates value The Sancy at no less than $6 million – star of the Apollo Gallery, where it is on display next to another famous diamond, the Regent. From royal French courts of half a millennium ago, to upmarket galleries in Paris today; The Sancy’s legacy persists through its remarkable journey through time and sites of grandeur.
7-The Hope Diamond: up to $350 million:
Discovered in the 1600s, the Hope diamond has had a long and tumultuous history. With its dark grayish-blue color, this precious gem has attracted the attention of many an admirer, including King Louis XIV who bought it only to have it stolen two years later! For almost half a century the diamond remained unseen only to resurface under mysterious circumstances with rumors of misfortune and tragedy shadowing those associated with it. Now, after decades of following its roundabout path, this iconic stone has finally come to rest at the Smithsonian Museum where it was donated by Harry Winston in 1958.
| Origin: | Golconda, India |
| Carat Weight: | 45.52 carats |
| Cut: | Antique cushion |
6 The Pink Star Diamond: $71.2 million:
The amazing and awe-inspiring CTF Pink Star, formerly known as the Steinmetz Pink is a true wonder of nature. It has been internationally recognized for its brilliant and rare fancy vivid pink color having taken two full years to cut and polish the original 132.5 carat stone into its magnificent form today. What makes it even more spectacular is the fact that it is the largest of its kind ever unearthed. Such engineering expertise, admiration and appreciation of beauty can be accredited to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises in Hong Kong who claimed it at an auction back in 2017 with subsequent renaming. Few pieces in life rouse our eventful souls like this one!
| Origin: | South Africa |
| Carat Weight: | 59.6 carats |
| Cut: | Mixed oval |
5-The Regent Diamond: $61 million:
The incredible Regent Diamond has quite a history: it was first discovered in 1698 in the Kollur mines, and was rumored to have been found by a slave before being stolen by a British sea captain. Since then, the precious diamond had an incredible journey from dukes to queens to kings until finally finding its place in 1887 at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Throughout this time, it remained unique due to its white diamond color combined with striking pale blue undertones. When you look at it today, it’s truly awe-inspiring to consider all of the people who held this stone over centuries!
| Origin: | Kollur, India |
| Carat Weight: | 140.64 carats |
| Cut: | Cushion |
4-The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond: $57.5 million:
The Fancy Vivid blue diamond owned by Sir Philip Oppenheimer proved an astronomically pricey purchase at auction in 2016, selling for a costly sum. After all, the diamond is an exceptional rarity as only 1% of blue diamonds graded by the GIA are awarded the color grade of “Fancy Vivid Blue”. Adding to this gem’s value was its impressive 14.62-carat size and vibrant color, secured in a ring flanked by two smaller trapeze-cut white diamonds. It’s no wonder the Fancy Vivid blue diamond commanded such a high price tag – it truly is a one-of-a kind rock!
| Origin: | Cullinan, South Africa |
| Carat Weight: | 14.62 carats |
| Cut: | Emerald |
3-The Graff Lesedi La Rona: $53 million:
In 2017, the Lesedi La Rona entered the world of diamonds and broke history. This magnificent diamond was sold as a 1,109 carat rough stone and taken on by Graff Diamonds for cutting and polishing. An expert team put a tremendous amount of time into the process – it took just over 18 months to create this incredible result. Finally, they unveiled an impressive 302.37-carat gem along with 66 smaller cut diamonds that proudly carry two Guinness World Records. The stunning Leslie La Rona is now officially the largest square emerald cut diamond as well as the largest diamond of highest color and clarity ever certified by GIA! A true feat of brilliance in science and artistry!
| Origin: | Botswana |
| Carat Weight: | 302.37 carats |
| Cut: | Square emerald |
2-The Winston Pink Legacy: $50.4 million:
The Pink Legacy diamond is an absolute testament to the Master jeweler, Harry Winston. Reportedly purchased at a Christie’s auction in 2018 for an undisclosed sum, this 39.8 carat diamond is one of the rarest and most exquisite gems ever seen. Set as the centerpiece to a breathtaking rose gold and platinum ringwith two shield-cut colorless diamonds on each side, it is no surprise that the historic piece was crafted to mark Mr. Winston’s 125th birthday. Symbolizing the burgeoning legacy of heritage and excellence established bythe renowned jeweller, the Pink Legacy diamond is a beautiful remembrance of his extraordinary accomplishments within jewelry and gem history.
| Origin: | South Africa |
| Carat Weight: | 18.96 carats |
| Cut: | Rectangular |
1-The Blue Moon of Josephine Diamond: $48.4 million:
In 2015, Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau bought the Blue Moon diamond. Weighing 12.03 carats, this rare gem was renamed The Blue Moon of Josephine in honor of his daughter. This sparkling diamond is classified as fancy vivid blue and ranks well in terms of color saturation and brightness for a diamond of its size. An impressive near-perfection that surpasses the industry standards means it has very few blemishes or any other issues with its overall internal structure. It’s said that when viewed under UV light, The Blue Moon of Josephine displays a striking red hue. All in all, this beautiful stone makes the perfect token of love to a beloved daughter!
| Origin: | Cullinan, South Africa |
| Carat Weight: | 12.03 carats |
| Cut: | Cushion |
