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 15 of the most expensive diamonds in the world, a representation of extraordinary opulence:
15. The Sakura Diamond: $29.3 million
Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossom which perfectly describes the delicate hues of this purple-pink diamond. Graded as fancy vivid, The Sakura Diamond is in the top 4% of pink diamonds found in this category.
The diamond was cut from a 27.8-carat rough diamond mined in the frozen grounds of Yakutia mines. It is the largest pink diamond to be discovered in Russia.
| Origin: | Yakutia, Russia |
| Carat Weight: | 15.81 carats |
| Cut: | Cushion mixed |
14. The Orange Diamond: $35.5 million
Often called “fire diamonds”, the orange diamonds are some of the rarest in the world. The Orange Diamond is a pure orange fancy vivid diamond that is certainly one of a kind.
This diamond is 4 times bigger than the average gem of its type. This is why it shattered the record for being the largest and most expensive orange gem ever sold.
| Origin: | South Africa |
| Carat Weight: | 14.62 carats |
| Cut: | Pear |
13. The Princie Diamond: $39.3 million
The Princie diamond has had its fair share of disputes ever since it was auctioned by Christie’s to the Qatari royal family in 2013. The auction house is being sued by descendants of an Italian senator who claim it was rightfully theirs and unlawfully sold to Christie’s by a stepbrother.
This is the first of many gems on our list from the Golconda mines filled with melodrama.
| Origin: | Golconda, India |
| Carat Weight: | 34.65 carats |
| Cut: | Cushion |
12. Lesotho Legend: $40 million
The Lesotho Legend is a colorless type IIa diamond discovered in 2018 in the Kingdom of Lesotho. The rough diamond is of exceptional quality and the size of two golf balls.
The diamond was sold to an anonymous buyer in Belgium just two months after being discovered. It has since vanished without a trace. Only time will tell what exquisite pieces will come from it.
| Origin: | Lesotho |
| Carat Weight: | 910 carats |
| Cut: | Rough uncut |
11. The Graff Pink Diamond: $46.2 million
This sublime pink diamond was bought by famed diamond dealer Lawrence Graff hence the name. Graff purchased the diamond in 2010 and went on to trim and polish it to bring out an even more vibrant pink color.
It was then certified as internally flawless by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The pink diamond was earlier owned by celebrity jeweler Harry Winston.
| Origin: | Unknown |
| Carat Weight: | 24.78 carats |
| Cut: | Emerald |
10. The Blue Moon of Josephine Diamond: $48.4 million
The Blue Moon diamond was bought by Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau in 2015. He renamed it The Blue Moon of Josephine after his daughter.
The diamond is classified as fancy vivid blue and is considered to be nearly flawless. This type of fancy blue diamond is said to exhibit a red glow when observed under ultraviolet light.
| Origin: | Cullinan, South Africa |
| Carat Weight: | 12.03 carats |
| Cut: | Cushion |
9. The Winston Pink Legacy: $50.4 million
Harry Winston purchased The Pink Legacy diamond, previously owned by the Oppenheimer family, at a Christie’s auction in 2018. One of the most precious diamonds in the world, it is now gorgeously set in a rose gold and platinum ring with 2 shield-cut colorless diamonds on either side.
Few words can describe the elegance of this piece which was made to mark the 125th birthday of the “King of Diamonds” Harry Winston.
| Origin: | South Africa |
| Carat Weight: | 18.96 carats |
| Cut: | Rectangular |
8. The Graff Lesedi La Rona: $53 million
The magnificent Lesedi La Rona was sold as a rough diamond of 1,109 carats to Graff Diamonds in 2017. It took them just over 18 months to cut and polish the diamond into one main 302.37-carat gem and 66 smaller cut diamonds.
The diamond has set two world records. First, for being the world’s largest square emerald cut diamond. Second, for being the largest diamond of the highest color and clarity ever certified by the GIA.
| Origin: | Botswana |
| Carat Weight: | 302.37 carats |
| Cut: | Square emerald |
7. The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond: $57.5 million
The Fancy Vivid blue diamond originally owned by Sir Philip Oppenheimer sold at auction in 2016. An estimate of just 1% of all blue diamonds graded by the GIA is awarded the color grade of “fancy vivid blue”.
The gem is set in a ring flanked by two smaller trapeze-cut white diamonds. The impressive carat size and intense color of this sparkler contributed to its whopping price tag.
| Origin: | Cullinan, South Africa |
| Carat Weight: | 14.62 carats |
| Cut: | Emerald |
6. The Regent Diamond: $61 million
The Regent Diamond was discovered in 1698 and is a unique white diamond with pale blue undertones. It was rumored to have been found by a slave in the Kollur mines who then had it stolen from him by a British sea captain.
The stone then passed through Dukes, Queens, and Kings before reaching its final destination at the Louvre in Paris in 1887.
| Origin: | Kollur, India |
| Carat Weight: | 140.64 carats |
| Cut: | Cushion |
5. The Pink Star Diamond: $71.2 million
Previously known as the Steinmetz Pink, this exceptional fancy vivid pink diamond is the largest of its kind. It took 2 years to cut and polish the stone from its original 132.5 carats into the perfect type IIa diamond it is today.
It was sold at an auction in 2017 to Chow Tai f*ck Enterprises in Hong Kong who renamed it CTF Pink Star.
| Origin: | South Africa |
| Carat Weight: | 59.6 carats |
| Cut: | Mixed oval |
4. De Beers Centenary Diamond: $100 million
The exquisite Centenary diamond has the highest grade color rating (D) and flawless clarity. The rough diamond was unveiled at the De Beers centennial celebration in 1988 which gave rise to the name of the diamond.
De Beers is said to no longer be in possession of the diamond. The current owner is unknown to the public.
| Origin: | Cullinan, South Africa |
| Carat Weight: | 273.85 carats |
| Cut: | Modified heart shape |
3. The Hope Diamond: up to $350 million
Discovered in the 1600s the fancy dark grayish-blue diamond has a history of misfortune and tragedy. After being bought by King Louis XIV the diamond was stolen and resurfaced almost 50 years later. Thereafter, tales of bad luck followed those who came to be associated with the diamond.
The Hope diamond is now displayed in the Smithsonian Museum having been donated by Harry Winston.
| Origin: | Golconda, India |
| Carat Weight: | 45.52 carats |
| Cut: | Antique cushion |
2. The Cullinan Diamond: $400 million upward
The Cullinan diamond also known as the Star of Africa was discovered in 1905. It initially weighed 3,106.75 carats making it the largest rough diamond ever found.
Since then it has been cut into 9 main diamonds (besides other smaller cuts) which form part of the Crown jewels of the United Kingdom. The largest of the 9 stones, Cullinan I at 530.2 carats rests atop the Sovereign Sceptre with Cross.
| Origin: | Cullinan, South Africa |
| Carat Weight: | 530.2 carats |
| Cut: | Pendeloque |
1. Kohinoor: priceless
The Kohinoor is the most expensive diamond in the world, having been given priceless status due to its brilliance and uniqueness. The name Kohinoor means “Mountain of Light” in Persian. The controversy surrounding the ownership of the diamond has been ongoing, with claims that it was stolen from India by the British.
The diamond was originally said to be approximately 793 carats. It has been reduced in size over the centuries to bring out its brilliance.
| Origin: | Golconda, India |
| Carat Weight: | 105.6 carats |
| Cut: | Oval |
Summary of the most expensive diamonds in the world
There you have it, a list of the most expensive diamonds in the world. It’s worth noting that the price of diamonds is not constant and fluctuates based on many factors including demand and rarity. There are also new diamonds that enter the market ready for the super-rich to outbid each other. With each stone, there’s a fascinating story that often follows, making diamonds the most highly regarded gems in the world.
A recap of the 15 most expensive diamonds in the world:
- Kohinoor: priceless
- The Cullinan Diamond: $400 million
- The Hope Diamond: $250 million
- De Beers Centenary Diamond: $100 million
- The Pink Star Diamond: $71.2 million
- The Regent Diamond: $61 million
- The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond: $57.5 million
- The Graff Lesedi La Rona: $53 million
- The Winston Pink Legacy: $50.4 million
- The Blue Moon of Josephine Diamond: $48.4 million
- The Graff Pink Diamond: $46.2 million
- Lesotho Legend: $40 million
- The Princie Diamond: $39.3 million
- The Orange Diamond: $35.5 million
- The Sakura Diamond: $29.3 million
Frequently asked questions about the most expensive diamonds in the world
Who owns the most expensive diamond in the world?
The most expensive diamond in the world is owned by the British Royal Crown. The Kohinoor gem currently resides at the HM Tower of London where it is displayed as the central diamond of the Queen Mother’s Crown.
What is the most expensive diamond in the world?
The most expensive diamond in the world is the Kohinoor. The unique 105.6-carat colorless diamond is said to be priceless.
What is the most expensive diamond quality?
The most expensive and rarest diamonds are type IIa. The most expensive color grade of a diamond is “D” which is colorless. The highest clarity grade for diamonds is FL or flawless. See our ranking of the most expensive diamonds in the world by price to learn more.
Which cut of diamond is the most expensive?
The round brilliant cut diamonds are the most expensive cut of diamonds. It costs up to 40% more than any other cut of diamonds. This type of cut creates the most sparkle and uses the most amount of raw material (up to 60% wastage of rough stone).
I'm quite familiar with the world of diamonds, their rarity, and the factors contributing to their exorbitant prices. It's not just about their beauty; diamonds are valued based on their color, clarity, carat weight, and cut—the four essential criteria known as the 4Cs.
In the realm of diamonds, exceptional color and clarity significantly elevate their worth. Rarity plays a pivotal role too—blue, pink, and red diamonds are among the scarcest and command astronomical prices. Take the Pink Star Diamond, for instance, a stunning fancy vivid pink gem that took two years to cut and polish, eventually fetching $71.2 million at an auction. Its flawless color and exceptional size contributed to its record-breaking value.
The Graff Lesedi La Rona, a 302.37-carat square emerald cut diamond, not only stands as a testament to exceptional clarity and size but also holds the record for the largest diamond with the highest color and clarity certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The intricacy involved in cutting such a colossal stone into smaller gems adds to its allure and price tag, sitting at $53 million.
Furthermore, historical significance and provenance significantly impact a diamond's value. Consider the Hope Diamond, a fancy dark grayish-blue diamond with a history mired in tales of misfortune and tragedy. Its journey from Golconda, India, through royal ownership and subsequent display at the Smithsonian Museum contributes to its estimated worth of up to $350 million.
Each diamond mentioned—from the Cullinan Diamond, which produced several exquisite gems in the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, to the legendary Kohinoor, known as the "Mountain of Light," holding priceless status—embodies a unique story, rarity, and brilliance that define their exceptional value in the world of gemstones.
Regarding the cuts, the round brilliant cut diamonds hold the top spot for expense due to their ability to create maximum sparkle. The intricacies of this cut and the substantial wastage of the rough stone can lead to a 40% premium over other cuts.
So, when it comes to the world's most expensive diamonds, it's not just about their price tags; it's about the rarity, history, and exceptional qualities that make them truly invaluable treasures.
