My Pink Diamonds

The world’s most famous diamonds are its largest diamonds. At staggering weights up to thousands of carats, these diamonds have been cut, re-shaped and sold many times, contributing to their rich, interesting histories. Despite diamond’s natural, clear brilliance, some of these stones have a dark side.

Diamonds are beautiful jewels and are used in many types of jewelry from diamond necklaces to diamond rings to diamond watches. They are becoming more and more popular with both men and women due to the fact that they do not have to be too flashy. Both men and women continually look for new ways to use diamonds. Diamonds are not a rarity by any means. They are very easy to find and purchase.

The diamond watch is becoming more and more popular. They have become less expensive. It is also easier for consumers to find diamond watches. Diamond watches are something that both men and women can wear. The diamond watches are made in many sizes, shapes and styles. The prices of diamond watches vary just about as much as the styles do.

There are diamond watches that can be worn by women out on the track. These diamond watches are a way of showing that women can wear the diamond watches even when they are active. This type of diamond watch functions just like any other sport watch, but it has the diamonds and looks a bit nicer than the typical sport watch.

Women still wear the classic style of diamond watch. This type of diamond watch is typically worn for a nice evening out on the town. Some of the popular brands that make the classic style of diamond watch include Rolex, Seiko, Citizen, Omega, Bulova, and Cartier.

Men are sporting diamond watches more and more. The diamond watch for men is distinguished and beautiful at the same time. Many of the same dealers that make women’s’ diamond watches also make men’s diamond watches. So men’s diamond watches are just as readily available as women’s diamond watches. The dealers do not make men’s diamond watches to look the same as women’s diamond watches, though. The men’s diamond watch is larger and more masculine looking. They look more powerful looking than a woman’s diamond watch.

When purchasing a diamond watch it is important to know what you are getting. You want to know the quality of the diamonds in the diamond watch you are purchasing. Price and quality do not always match when it comes to diamond watches. Purchasing a more expensive diamond watch does not necessarily mean that you are purchasing high quality diamonds. Instead of looking at the price of diamond watches, be sure to purchase your diamond watch through a reputable dealer.

Whether you are a man or a woman you can find a diamond watch to fit your personality and lifestyle. A diamond watch is sure to be in style as long as man continues to exist. Diamond watches step a wardrobe up a notch from ho hum to ooh nice. It does not matter how much money you make, you can find a diamond watch from a reputable dealer that will fit into your budget. Go out and shop for your diamond watch. Watch and see for your self how a diamond watch can enhance your wardrobe step up the excitement in your life.

The Cushion Cut Diamond was an extremely popular diamond shape a century ago. Cushion cut diamonds have a romantic look about them and have once again become extremely popular as a diamond choice especially with Hollywood movies stars and celebrities. Cushion cut diamonds have a romantic look about them unlike other fancy shape diamonds. Cushion cut diamonds have lended themselves to the ‘Halo’ and ‘micro pave’ ring designs which are at present hugely popular. Cushion cut diamonds are also sometimes referred to as “pillow-cut” diamonds. Modern cushion cuts are based on the antique cushion cuts, which are a combination of a round and square outline with a softened square or “pillow” shape.

Some of the most famous diamonds in the world are cushion cut diamonds. These include the Hope Diamond, the Cullinan II and the Tiffany Yellow.

Cushion cut diamonds have rounded corners and larger facets to increase their brilliance. These larger facets highlight the diamond’s clarity, so if you choose a Cushion cut diamond with a SI clarity grade, be sure to review the clarity plot on the diamond certificate.Cushion cut diamonds can vary in the degree of rectangular shape that they have. For cushion cut diamonds that have an almost square look but elegant and classical charm a length to width ratio of 1.1 – 1.2 is best.

Cushion cut diamonds are an interesting alternative to oval shape diamonds or a modern princess cut diamond. The cushion cut diamond has the ability to display a high degree of returning light and brilliance and a sparkle which is dazzling. Cushion cut diamonds come to life, yet they still possess a dreamy quality. You may copy this article and place it on your own website, as long as you do not change it and include this resource box including the live links Copyright © 2008 Diamond Imports Pty Ltd

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There are many sayings that go along with diamonds. ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’ and ‘diamonds are forever’ are some of them. There is no doubt that diamonds are popular, with people all over the world flocking to buy these precious stones. But what is it about diamonds that give them such huge commercial appeal? Here is a list of some of the most famous diamonds in the world, and some of the lucky (or unlucky) people who have worn them.

The Cullinan Diamond:

The Cullinan Diamond is, at 3,106.75 carats, the largest diamond ever found. This diamond was found in the Gauteng region of South Africa, and is now kept with the other Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. This spectacular gem was discovered in 1905 at the Premier mine in South Africa by Frederick Wells, a mine superintendent. While walking through the mine one day he noticed something gleaming on the side of the wall. What he originally thought was a massive piece of glass was actually a huge diamond.

Wells received $10,000 for his discovery. The diamond was named Cullinan after the owner of the mine, Sir Thomas Cullinan. The stone was cut by Joseph Asscher, who examined it for 6 months before determining how to divide it. He eventually cut it into 9 major and 96 smaller brilliant cut stones. The Great Star of Africa, or the Cullinan 1, is the largest cut diamond of the Cullinan, and the largest cut diamond in the world. It boasts 530.20 carats and is housed in the Tower of London.

The Blue Hope Diamond:

The Hope Diamond is one of the most spectacular diamonds in the world. But with its beauty comes a long history of legends and myths, one of them being that the diamond itself is cursed. According to legend, bad luck and death will befall anyone who touches the diamond. But whether you believe in the curse or not, the Hope Diamond has for centuries intrigued people by its unique beauty.

The diamond has had a rich history, starting with being owned by King Louis XIV, stolen during the French Revolution, sold for gambling money, and eventually donated to the Smithsonian Institution, where it still resides today.

The Regent:

Boasting 140.50 carats, the Regent has a reputation for being the most beautiful diamond in the world. It was discovered in India in 1698 and was acquired by Thomas Pitt, the Governor of Madras, who sent it to England to be cut. In 1717 the Regent purchased it from Pitt for the French Crown.

It adorned many of the rich and famous, including the band of Louis XV’s silver gilt crown, Louis XVI’s crown, the hilt of the First Consul’s sword, and on the crown at the coronation of Charles X, as well as during the Second Empire on the ‘Grecian diadem’ of the Empress Eugenie. Today it can be seen at the Louvre in Paris.

Darya-ye Noor:

The Darya-ye Noor, Persian for ‘Sea of Light’, is one of the largest and most beautiful diamonds in the world. It weighs a whopping 182 carats and is a rare pale pink colour, one of the rarest to be found on diamonds. At present, it forms part of the Iranian Crown Jewels, and is considered one of the oldest diamonds in the world.

The diamond was mined at the Golconda mines in Andhra Pradesh in India, where it became the possession of the mughal emperors. In 1739 Persia invaded India and sacked Delhi and came into possession of the Darya-ye Noor. The treasure he garnered was carried to Persia by Nader Shah, where the Darya-ye Noor has remained ever since.

The Tiffany Yellow Diamond:

The Tiffany Yellow Diamond is one of the largest fancy yellow diamonds in the world. When it was discovered in 1878 in Kimberley, South Africa, it weighed 287.42 carats. It was cut into a cushion shape of 128.54 carats with 90 facets to maximize its brilliance.

After its discovery it was purchased by famous New York jeweler Charles Tiffany. The gem was studied for a year before it was cut, reducing it from 287 carats to its current size. The gem was on loan from Tiffany and Co. to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C and was on display up until 23 September 2007. This beautiful and unique diamond was worn by only 2 women in its life, one of them being famous Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn.

The Dresden Diamond:

This classic diamond weighs 41 carats and probably came from India. Its exact history is unclear. The Dresden is a pear shaped diamond with a beautiful emerald-green colour.

The Sancy:

The Sancy is a beautiful 55 carat and is cut in a pear shape. This stone has been cut over five hundred years ago. According to legend, it was worn by Charles the Brave in the 1470’s. It was bought on the open market in 1570 by Signeur de Sancy, after who the diamond is named. The stone has belonged to the Astor family of London since 1906.

The Koh-i-noor:

This diamond has a long and controversial history. Legend has it that it was first acquired in 1304 from an Indian family who owned the stone for generations. It is also said that the stone’s history begins in 1526, while other conflicting reports state that the stone was mined near the Krishna River and given to an emperor in 1656. More factual evidence states that the diamond was first mined in India but then stolen in Delhi in 1739 and taken to Iran.

From Iran it was acquired by Afghans, who then lost it to Indian rulers. These Indian rulers can under British rule in 1849 and placed the diamond among the crown jewels. The Koh-i-noor’s first cut was a 191 carat irregular shaped gem with little fire, contrary to its name which means ‘mountain of light’. It was later recut to enhance brilliance and fire, reducing it to a 109 carat, shallow, oval brilliant cut.

The Shah Diamond:

This diamond originally stems from India and weighs 88.70 carats. It has the names of three monarchs engraved on it, including the Shah of Persia, after which it was named. Today it can be found in Kremlin in Moscow, where it has been since 1829 when it was given as a gift to Tsar Nicholas. It is partly polished along its cleavage planes.

The Nassak Diamond:

The Nassak Diamond first weighed over 90 carats. The diamond is named after the Temple of Shiva near Nassak. In 1818 the English looted the temple and in 1927 the stone was recut in New York. This diamond has been in private possession in the USA ever since. The stone has a rounded corner triangle shape.

Throughout history, diamonds have always been revered because of their exquisite beauty. These diamonds are also quite expensive. It seems that the largest and most unique ones become famous. However, this is not the case of some of the top famous loose diamonds. One perfect example is the Hope Diamond.Hope DiamondThe Hope Diamond became famous not because it is the largest. It is not even the most beautifully cut. However, this is often considered by a lot of experts as number one in the list of top famous loose diamonds. Unverified legends tell that the stone came from one of the eyes of Sita, a Hindu goddess who is also the wife of Rama. However, this legend is most probably just a work of fiction as the Hope Diamond’s twin was never found.This diamond is 45.52 carats of fancy dark greenish blue color. It is stunningly worth more than $200,000,000 and is currently displayed at Smithsonian Natural History Museum. It has been verified to come from the Tavenier Blue Diamond, and both had a regal history of being passed on to the hands of different royals until the Hope Diamond, then known as French Blue, came into the Hope Family. The diamond was passed on to the next generation and became controversial because of various heirs were known to be fighting over the possession of this diamond.Taylor-Burton DiamondAnother of the top famous loose diamonds once again owes its fame to controversy. This pear-shaped 69-carat diamond was bought by Cartier and christened as “Cartier.” It was set into a necklace, which was promptly bought by Richard Burton as a fortieth birthday gift for his wife, Elizabeth Taylor, and was named by the latter as “Taylor-Burton.” When the couple divorced, Taylor sold the diamond for $3,000,000, although some accounts claim that it was for $5,000,000. It was told that prospective buyers were allowed to view the diamond for a “modest” fee of $2,500.Dresden Green DiamondOf the top famous loose diamonds, the Dresden Green Diamond is one of the few that became famous because of its color and size. Named after Saxony’s (in Germany) capital where it was on display for 200 years, this 41-carat diamond is the largest natural-occurring green diamond ever seen. Early accounts tell of how a diamond merchant named Marcus Moses tried to sell this diamond, which he got from India, to King George I who was amazed by the diamond but did not buy it.Other accounts also tell of this diamond being dealt to Frederick Augustus I who did not buy it too. However, his son Frederick Augustus II did buy the diamond some years later from another merchant. It was then set into the Golden Fleece. It was later re-set to another Golden Fleece along with the Dresden White Diamond.Other DiamondsAlso among the top famous loose diamonds are ones that became famous due to their color. These are the Great Chrysanthemum (golden brown with a touch of burnt orange and sienna), Conde Pink, Transvaal Blue, and Agra (light pink).

 The Centenary 

The Centenary was found on July 17th, 1986 at the Premier Mine.  Only a handful of people knew about it and all were sworn to silence.  On March 11th, 1988, the centenary celebrations of De Beers took place in Kimberly and a banquet was held to close the Kimberly Mine also known as the Big Hole.  Over 400 people were in attendance.  Representatives of several national governments of diamond-producing countries and dignitaries from various sections of the industry listened as the chairman, Julian Oglivie Thompson, declared; we have recovered at the Premier Mine a diamond of 599 carats, which is perfect in color.  Indeed it is one of the largest top-color diamonds ever found.  Naturally it will be called the Centenary Diamond.

This extraordinary mine has produced several outstanding diamonds of the most superb color, which have been cut into famous gems: The Cullinan in 1905; the Niarchos in 1954; the Taylor-Burton in 1966 and the Premier Rose in 1978.  The Premier Diamond Mine has produced close to 300 stones weighing more than 100 carats each, and 25 percent of the world’s diamonds weighing more than 400 carats each.

 Conde Pink Diamond 

Louis XIII are said to have bought the stone in 1643 after which the King presented it to Louis de Bourbon, Prince of Conde, and Commander of the French Army during the Thirty Years War.  It is a light pink pear-shaped diamond that weights 9.01 carats.  The stone is currently on display in the Musee de Conde in Chantilly, France.

 Cullinan Diamond 

The Cullinan 1 also called the Star of Africa, is a pear shaped diamond weighing 530.20 carats.  It is called the Cullian 1 because it was it was the largest of 9 stones cut from the Cullian Diamond.  The Cullian 1 is the 2nd largest cut diamond in the world and is part of the Crown Jewels of England.  It is currently on display in the Tower of London.

The famous blue diamonds come in different shapes including pear shaped and octagon shaped.  The cut of these valuable gems is especially important for large, colored stones and the cut must enhance the natural beauty of these wonderful gems.  Sometimes the largest stones that are found with a blue color are studied extensively before any cutting is begun.

 Cullinan II Diamond 

The Cullian II is 317.40 carat stone cut into a cushion shaped.  It is the center-front of the Imperial State Crown of Great Britian.  Note the 2 platinum loops on the top and bottom edges.  This feature has been added to allow the stone to be worn as a brooch or alone with the Cullinan 1 attached.

 Darya-I-Nur 

Darya-I-Nur diamond is believed to be the largest pink diamond in the world.  The stone is estimated to weigh somewhere between 175 and 195 carats, and it is a light pink color.  Its exact weight isn’t known because its been mounted in its brooch setting for over 130 years.  This stone is one of the most celebrated diamonds in the Iranian Crown Jewels and it is also one of the oldest stones known to man.

 De Beers Diamond 

The De Beers weights 234.65 carats and is the seventh largest faceted diamond in the world.  It was found in the De Beers Consolidated Mine in March 1888.  Prior to being cut the diamond weighed 428.50 carats.  It was centerpiece of a ceremonial necklace known as the Patiala Necklace in 1928.  In 1973 the necklace disappeared and then the remnants was discovered in a jewelry shop in London in 1998 with most of the large stone missing.  The De Beers Diamond was sold in 1982 for $3,160,000.

 De Young Red Diamond 

The De Young Red is a 5.03 carat red diamond and is considered as the third largest in the world.  This diamond is not really pure red.  This stone has a slightly brown hue which makes it look like a fine garnet that ruby-like.  Since this diamond has very unique color, this was once sold at an estate sale as a red garnet.  Luckily, this fine piece of precious stone was later on recovered and identified to be a very rare red diamond.  At present, the De Young Red is under the custody of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC and often figured in exhibits in that museum.

Unlike the Type I diamonds that derived their color from impurities imbedded in the diamond, Red diamonds are considered a Type II and get their color from a process known as Plastic Deformation.  They get their coloration due to structural anomalies caused by Plastic Deformation during the crystal growth.  The intense pressure changes the lattice structure of diamonds and has led to the formation of Pink, Red, and Brown colored diamonds.

 Dresden Diamond 

The largest natural green diamond in the world is The Dresden Green.  It is classified as an “apple-green” color and weighs in at 40.70 carats.  The Gemmological Institute of America examined the stone in 1988. The Dresden Green Diamond was proved to be not only of extraordinary quality, but also a rare type IIa diamond and is consider the largest and finest natural green diamond ever found.  The Dresden Green gets its name from the capitol of Saxony where it has been on display for more than 200 years. The earliest known reference to its existence occurs in The Post Boy, a London new-sheet of the 1700’s.  The diamond was sold in Switzerland in 1997 for $715,320.