Diamonds have been fascinating people for centuries with their brilliance, scarcity, and the histories behind them. Among diamonds, some are truly unique not just for their beauty but for their mind-boggling price and historical background. Establishing the "most expensive diamond in the world" requires looking at both market value and value beyond price.
Most Expensive Diamonds
The following are the most expensive diamonds in the world based on their estimated prices as per reports-
| Diamond Name | Value (USD) | Notable Features | Location/Owner |
| Kohinoor | Priceless (>$500M) | 105.6 carats, historic, symbolic | British Crown Jewels |
| Cullinan | $400 million | 3,106 carats rough, 105 gems | British Crown Jewels |
| Hope Diamond | $250–350 million | 45.52 carats, deep blue | Smithsonian Institution |
| De Beers Centenary | $100+ million | 273.85 carats, flawless | Unknown |
| Pink Star | $71.5 million | 59.6 carats, vivid pink | Chow Tai Fook |
| Williamson Pink Star | $57.7 million | 11.15 carats, vivid pink | Private |
Top Contenders for the Most Expensive Diamond
A number of diamonds are in contention for being the world's most costly, with the following unique characteristics and rich history. We highlight the main contenders here:
1. Kohinoor Diamond – Priceless
Source: Wikipedia
The Kohinoor, or "Mountain of Light," is perhaps the world's most renowned and valuable diamond, although it is claimed to be priceless based on its extensive history and cultural status. Weighing 793 carats originally, it was unearthed in India's Golconda mines when the Kakatiya dynasty was ruling the country.
It graced the thrones of the Mughal Empire across centuries, was plundered by Nader Shah of Persia, and finally joined the British Crown Jewels in the 19th century. Today, it is placed at the top of the Queen Elizabeth's crown (currently owned by the British monarchy), and although at one time it was insured at $200 million, authorities put its value today at over $500 million.
2. The Cullinan Diamond – $400 Million
Source: Wikipedia
The Cullinan is the world's biggest rough diamond, weighing a staggering 3,106 carats when unearthed in South Africa in 1905. Cut into 105 gems, the biggest ones—530.20-carat Cullinan I and 317.40-carat Cullinan II—are part of the British Crown Jewels.
The combined worth of all the Cullinan stones is put at $400 million, the highest market value of any diamond with confirmed price estimates.
3. The Hope Diamond – $250–350 Million
The Hope Diamond, for its rich blue color and sensational history, is worth between $250 and $350 million. Once a 112-carat gem from India, it was bought by King Louis XIV of France and has since been owned by numerous others, including King George IV.
It now rests at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., where it is admired for its loveliness and famous curse.
Other High-Value Diamonds of Note
De Beers Centenary Diamond – More than $100 million: A flawless 273.85-carat, heart-shaped South African gem.
The Pink Star Diamond – $71.5 million: The largest vivid pink diamond in the world, auctioned in 2017.
Williamson Pink Star – $57.7 million: A unique 11.15-carat pink diamond, per-carat record-breaker.
The Regent Diamond – More than $60 million: An antique 140.64-carat diamond exhibited at the Louvre.
Oppenheimer Blue Diamond – $57.5 million: A 14.62-carat fancy vivid blue diamond auctioned in 2016.
De Beers Blue Diamond – $57.4 million: The biggest vivid blue diamond sold at auction.
Which Diamond Is the Most Expensive?
Whereas the Cullinan Diamond is the highest estimated market price at $400 million (for all its cut stones), Kohinoor is generally regarded as the most valuable in terms of historical and cultural importance, with some valuing it at more than $500 million were it to be sold at all—though it will likely never see the market. The Hope Diamond ranks high as well but is a bit less than the total value of the Cullinan.
Looking at diamonds sold through auction, the Pink Star is the record holder at $71.5 million but pales in comparison to that of the Cullinan or Kohinoor.
The title of "most expensive diamond in the world" depends on the criteria used. By market value, the Cullinan Diamond (all stones combined) leads with an estimated $400 million. However, the Kohinoor Diamond is arguably the most valuable overall, given its priceless historical and cultural significance, with a possible value exceeding $500 million if it were ever to be valued for sale. For diamonds sold at auction, the Pink Star holds the record.
Each of these diamonds tells a story of power, beauty, and the enduring allure of nature’s most coveted treasures.
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