World Famous Diamonds 5

The Earth Star - No Picturesurpassed by the Cullinan diamond. Since a buyer
The Earth Star was found in the Jagersfontein Mine incould not be found for such a large stone it was
1967. It was cut from a raw stone of about 248.9decided to cut the stone into a number of smaller
carats into a Pear shaped stone weighing 111.59 carats.stones the largest being only 69.68 carats. It was
At the time it was considered the largest facetedstated by Alpheus F. Williams, who later became the
brown diamond in the world. This particular stoneGeneral Manager of the De Beers company,
shows a degree of brilliance that is not usually found inconsidering the decision to cleave the diamond into
gems with such a strong color. It was sold in 1983 toseveral smaller fragments as the greatest tragedy of
Stephen Zbova of Naples for $900,000.modern times in the history of famous diamond in the
Eureka Diamondworld. In 1996 it was sold to Robert Mouawad for
This gem is not exceptional but it was the very first$2,642,000.
diamond found in South Africa. It was found by aFlorentine Diamond - Cubic Zirconium replication
shepherd boy in 1866 on the bank of the Orange RiverThis is another of the Great Lost famous diamonds of
near Hopetown. It was passed from hand to hand bythe world. Only black and white photos exist of this
several people without it becoming know that it was afamous stone prior to its disappearance in 1921. It is a
diamond until Dr. W. G. Atherstone of Grahamstone137.27-carat diamond with light yellow colorations with
came into possession of the pebble. Dr Atherstonevery slight greenish overtones. Legend has it that
was one of the very few people in the Cape colonyCharles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy was warring it
who knew anything about gemstones. It was cut into awhen he fell in battle in 1467. The diamond was then
21.25 brownish yellow diamond and sold in 1867.found on the body by a foot solder that though it was
Excelsior Diamondglass. It is thought to have been owned by Pope Julius
This stone was found at the Jagersfontein mine byII, The Grand duke of Tuscany in 1657, and later as
one of the workers in a shovel full of gravel. Instead ofpart of the Hapsburg Crown Jewels. It is believed to
giving it to his overseer as was required he hid it in hishave been re-cut into an 80 carat round diamond that
pocket and gave it directly to the Mine Manager. Thiswas sold in 1981 and its present location is unknown.
995.2 carat diamond has suffered a tragic fate everThe Golden Jubilee
since and is considered to be the Great Unknown ofThis diamond is currently considered as the largest
famous diamonds. It just happened to be found on thefaceted diamond in the whole world at 545.67 carts.
exact day that a consortium of London firms that hadAlso known as the fire rose cut diamond, this diamond
the purchase rights to the mines output expired. Hadhas a unique fancy yellow-brown color that made it
the diamond been found a couple of hours earlier theone of the most beautiful pieces of stone ever
history of the Excelsior Diamond may have beenunearthed. It received its name when it was presented
much different. The Excelsior Diamond is the secondto the King of Thailand in 1997 for his 50th anniversary
largest rough diamond of gem quality ever found onlyof his coronation.