World Famous Diamonds 3

Description of some of the most famous diamonds inweighing more than 400 carats each.
the world.Conde Pink Diamond
The CentenaryLouis XIII are said to have bought the stone in 1643
The Centenary was found on July 17th, 1986 at theafter which the King presented it to Louis de Bourbon,
Premier Mine. Only a handful of people knew about itPrince of Conde, and Commander of the French
and all were sworn to silence. On March 11th, 1988, theArmy during the Thirty Years War. It is a light pink
centenary celebrations of De Beers took place inpear-shaped diamond that weights 9.01 carats. The
Kimberly and a banquet was held to close thestone is currently on display in the Musee de Conde in
Kimberly Mine also known as the Big Hole. Over 400Chantilly, France.
people were in attendance. Representatives ofCullinan Diamond
several national governments of diamond-producingThe Cullinan 1 also called the Star of Africa, is a pear
countries and dignitaries from various sections of theshaped diamond weighing 530.20 carats. It is called the
industry listened as the chairman, Julian OglivieCullian 1 because it was it was the largest of 9 stones
Thompson, declared; we have recovered at thecut from the Cullian Diamond. The Cullian 1 is the 2nd
Premier Mine a diamond of 599 carats, which islargest cut diamond in the world and is part of the
perfect in color. Indeed it is one of the largest top-colorCrown Jewels of England. It is currently on display in
diamonds ever found. Naturally it will be called thethe Tower of London.
Centenary Diamond.The famous blue diamonds come in different shapes
This extraordinary mine has produced severalincluding pear shaped and octagon shaped. The cut of
outstanding diamonds of the most superb color, whichthese valuable gems is especially important for large,
have been cut into famous gems: The Cullinan in 1905;colored stones and the cut must enhance the natural
the Niarchos in 1954; the Taylor-Burton in 1966 and thebeauty of these wonderful gems. Sometimes the
Premier Rose in 1978. The Premier Diamond Mine haslargest stones that are found with a blue color are
produced close to 300 stones weighing more than 100studied extensively before any cutting is begun.
carats each, and 25 percent of the world's diamonds