The Millennium Star Diamond

An Incredible Find

Imagine unearthing a diamond so large, that it would take over three years for workers to cut it into its final form?

That’s exactly what happened in Zaire in 1990 when a diamond of over 700 carats was discovered. The rare jewel was purchased by DeBeers and now sits at the center of their entire collection.

The Millenium Star Diamond is one of six of the largest rough diamonds ever found in the world. To determine the perfect cut a design team worked tirelessly to create 100 plastic replicas. After extensive examination, it was decided that the Millenium Star would be a pear shape jewel boasting an impressive 54 facets.

The Journey

This incredible diamond underwent a long but necessary journey; first to Belgium to be cut and then to South Africa for an expert polish.

Its final destination was New York for all the remaining touches. This arduous process is typical for highly valued diamonds to ensure the gem is and remains perfect, without any cracks or breaks from the polishing process.

In its completed form this gorgeous pear-shaped masterpiece weighs in at over 200 carats with a D color grade and carries the title of the only completely flawless diamond, inside and out.

Described as “the most beautiful diamond I {Former DeBeers Chairman, Larry Openheimer} have ever seen”,

On Display

Along with the well-known and much-loved Heart of Eternity diamond, the Millenium Star was beautifully showcased in 1999 in the London Dome as well as the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.

In 2003 the Millenium Star joined a slew of famous diamonds, Pink Dream, the Allnat Diamond, the Pumpkin Diamond, Moussaieff Red, and the Ocean Dream.

As of today, only the Centenary Diamond is larger than the Millenium Star.

The post The Millennium Star Diamond appeared first on Asteria Magazine.

source https://www.asteriadiamonds.com/blog/2019/03/18/the-millennium-star-diamond/

Diamonds: As an Investment

From time immemorial investing in jewels has been both a secure and safe investment option. Here we have compiled a straightforward how-to guide so you can choose your ‘one of a kind’ investment colored diamond jewelry.

Much like any investment purchase, risk vs. earning, is carefully looked at by experts in the field. Investors need to look at all sides of the proverbial coin to assess whether a diamond is high risk or has high ROI (rate of investment). For colored diamond investors, these are especially important factors, as the color adds to the rarity thus increasing potential earnings.

Following a specific grading system, namely the 4 C’s: clarity, cut, color, and carat, you can learn to choose a great investment with incredible reward potential.

Step-by-Step

Know your budget. Colored diamonds can be bought as single gems or be split into different pieces, which will increase rarity and therefore value. Value is typically assessed by color grade, low to high:

• More Common Colors-Browns, Greys, Fancy Yellows
• Slightly Less Common-The Vivid and Intense Yellows, as well as combination pieces, for example, orange diamonds.
• Rare-Green, Purple, Pink, Blue and Oranges, all in their pure forms.
• Red Diamonds-a Class of their own

Please note, that this is a highly generalized breakdown that does not include factors such as carat or rare combinations. So, while a brown may be more common, a large carat with a unique combination can increase the investment potential considerably.

What do the experts look for?

Of course, any search will begin with a review of certifications, by the GIA if possible, as it is accepted as the gold standard for diamond certification. Once this is established, the experts start to look for:

1. Fluorescence – Caused by exposure to a UV lamp, purchasing these for investment is not acceptable and not worth the cheaper price. Fluorescence is only an issue with yellow diamonds.
2. Clarity – Look for a VS2 and nothing lower than VS2 for lower range diamonds. Higher end diamonds should be at least eye clean, with a clarity grade of si1 or2.
3. Cut, Shape and Carat – The quality of the cut will make or break your purchase. If the cut is on point, the diamond will have an exquisite brilliance while the opposite can make your diamond practically worthless.
   For shapes keep it standard, round, cushion, princess, these are shapes people are looking to purchase. Round diamonds for a colored diamond are difficult and a good one will cost quite a bit as the size needs to be increased for the brilliance to be seen.Marquise, Oval, Radiant and Pear are good substitutes. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. For investment purposes, price per carat will create high demand for sale. For the higher end colors like blues and pinks, the weight can be low and still snatch a great price. For more common colors look for one or more carats.
4. Color – The more vivid the color the better, because of rarity and quality. In the higher end colors fancy lights can be good investments but for the common range look for the most intense colors, you can.
   

Overall investing in diamonds is a challenging but potentially rewarding venture. By following expert advice, and these guidelines, you can improve your chances of choosing the right diamond jewelry for your collection.

The experts at Asteria Diamonds suggest you pay attention to trends and take your time whilst choosing a good investment.

The post Diamonds: As an Investment appeared first on Asteria Magazine.

source https://www.asteriadiamonds.com/blog/2019/03/17/diamonds-as-an-investment/

The World’s Second Largest Diamond: The Cullinan Diamond

A fascinating find

Over 100 years ago, a mine superintendent in Africa, came upon a miraculous discovery. First assumed to be a large cut of glass, embedded in the walls of the mine, was in fact a colossal diamond weighing over a pound and to date, remains the second largest diamond in the world!

In 1905 this diamond was dubbed the Cullinan Diamond, after the owner of the mine. Incredibly, at this time, the Cullinan was twice the size of any rough diamond discovered previously. At 3,000 carats this rough white diamond was valued at only 150,000 GBP, but due to its rarity was insured for ten times that original value.

A British Treasure

The diamond was snatched up by the Transvaal Colony government who was then pressured by many groups to gift to various dignitaries. Of course, an initial suggestion was to offer the one-of-a-kind diamond to King Edward VII of England, as a symbol of loyalty. Although a vote of over forty cabinet members ensued and voted against the gift, the British Prime Minister none the less chose to offer it to the King and allow him to make the final ruling.

Years later, when Churchill became Prime minister, he was finally able to convince the King to accept the precious gem and was likewise gifted a beautiful replica of the Cullinan diamond as a thank you.

A Secret Delivery

Although British detectives were hired to carry the expensive diamond via steamboat to London, this was merely a ploy to avoid theft. The real Cullinan diamond was in fact, delivered in a simple box via post, to avoid suspicion.

Presented to the King on his birthday he declared it a “historic jewel” and “heirloom”. The diamond was then cut into segments, the initial three by Asscher Brothers of Amsterdam, and later cut into nine large and 96 small diamonds as well, each with their own signature name, cut and wearer.

The Great Star of Africa

The largest of all the segments have been dubbed as the Great Star while the smaller one is known as the Second-Star of Africa. The Great Star received a pear-cut and sits within the British Scepter, an integral piece of the Crown jewels.

It can be worn as a pendant or even as a brooch when paired with the second-star which has a rectangular cut. The Second Star, boasting over 300 carats, can be seen in the British Imperial State Crown.

 

Cullinan III, IV, and V

Lovingly referred to as “Granny’s Chips” by Queen Elizabeth II, both the Cullinan III also pear-cut, and IV have been worn only a handful of times as brooches by Queen Elizabeth 2nd.

The Cullinan V however, has been worn many times by Queen Elizabeth 2nd, with its beautiful heart-shaped diamonds, each an incredible 18 carats.

Queen Mary enjoyed wearing the heart-shaped diamonds in a brooch often with the Cullinan VI and VII. These diamond segments are one of the Queens favorite pieces of jewelry.

The other Cullinan diamonds, that is VI, VII, and VIII all have their own special place despite their smaller size.

The Marquise’

The VI is an elegant marquis cut brooch and can be adjusted to be worn with the heart-shaped Cullinan V.

Cullinan VII is also a marquise cut albeit larger at over 11 carats. Queen Mary had this famously set in a pendant, attached to the Delhi Durbar necklace of emeralds and diamonds. The VIII has been cushion-cut, an especially beautiful cut for a diamond, but unfortunately is hardly worn. Apparently, it disturbs the Queen while eating. She has been quoted as saying “it gets in the soup”!

 

The Final Piece

The last Cullinan diamond is the only one set in a ring. It boasts an elegant pear cut and a platinum band making this diamond, affectionally called Cullinan IX, an amazing work of beauty.

 

 

Priceless Treasure

Once the Cullinan was cut into segments it no longer has the same value. However, when valued together the piece would be worth an astonishing two billion dollars!

Each of these rare and exquisite diamonds can be observed at Buckingham Palace. These priceless diamonds are also available for your viewing pleasure at the Tower of London.

Image Credit : estatediamondjewelry.com

The post The World’s Second Largest Diamond: The Cullinan Diamond appeared first on Asteria Magazine.

source https://www.asteriadiamonds.com/blog/2019/03/12/the-worlds-second-largest-diamond-the-cullinan-diamond/

The World’s Largest Faceted Diamond

A.K.A Unnamed Brown Diamond
Price Estimation: $4-12 Million USD
Size: 109.13 grams
Color: Fancy Yellow-Brown
Cut: Fire Rose Cushion cut
Carat: 545.67 carats
Owner: Henry Ho of Thailand

The Golden Jubilee is currently, the undisputed largest faceted diamond in the world,

It is approximately 545.67 carats and took several years to cut and polish before being presented to the King of Thailand, its’ current owner in 1997.

At 109.13 grams, the huge Golden Jubilee Diamond is truly magnificent. Although it may appear a somewhat orange color in various photos, it has in fact been graded as a fancy yellow-brown diamond. It has a distinctive fire rose cushion cut and weighs 545.67 carats, 15.37 carats more than the second largest diamond, the Cullinan 1.

HOW MUCH IS THE LARGEST DIAMOND WORTH?

In short, the Golden Jubilee Diamond being completely unique is priceless, however the approximate value has a vast range from four to twelve million U.S dollars.

THE STORY OF THE GOLDEN JUBILEE DIAMOND

Discovered in 1985, this stone is fairly new to the world, and has only had a few owners.

First known by the unremarkable name of “Unnamed Brown,” this gemstone was presented to Gabriel Tolkowsky by DeBeers to test new cutting equipment. The uncut stone was enclosed by deep cracks and inclusions and was therefore cut and designed in an exclusive underground chamber, free of vibrations. After two painstakingly long years, this yellow-brown diamond was transformed into the Golden Jubilee Diamond.

A Holy Stone

In 1995, the stone was bought from De Beers by a group led by Henry Ho, CEO of Citibank, Thailand. This magnificent stone then took a spiritual journey where it received a Papal Blessing from Pope John Paul II and a blessing from the Supreme Imam and then the Supreme Buddhist Patriarch in Thailand.

The diamond was offered to King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand to honor his 50th coronation anniversary.

Where is the Golden Jubilee Diamond?

The Golden Jubilee Diamond is currently held in the Royal Thai Palace, an integral feature of the crown jewels. Although this is where it general stays, it hs paid various visits to Switzerland and the US, also featuring in a display in Henry Ho’s Jewelry Trade center in Bangkok.

To learn more about famous diamonds, or to inquire about any of our diamond jewelry please browse through our education center or contact us by livechat, email or telephone.

Image Credit: worthy.com

The post The World’s Largest Faceted Diamond appeared first on Asteria Magazine.

source https://www.asteriadiamonds.com/blog/2019/03/11/the-worlds-largest-faceted-diamond/

Yellow Is The New Black

Yellow Diamonds although the most common of colored diamonds, are truly special. Relatively inexpensive, yellow diamonds, also known as canary yellow, especially when intense in color, have become very popular and highly sought after.

If bought correctly, with a certain level of individuality, they are a fantastic investment opportunity and if gifted correctly, provide a rare treasure for the receiver. Yellow diamonds are the perfect centerpiece or addition to earrings, rings, bracelets, pendants and necklaces and provide striking and special women the opportunity to express their distinctiveness through their accessories.

Yellow diamonds are sourced from across the globe and are found in a variety of unique color blends with secondary hues, often seen are, orangy yellow, brownish yellow and greenish yellow.

The name, Canary Diamond or Canary Yellow Diamond refers to yellow diamonds without a secondary hue and boast a strong and intense color.

The Intensities range from light yellow to vivid yellow diamond and these diamonds can be cut into every single diamond shape, just view at the Asteria range to see just how varied the style and shapes can be.

Yellow Diamond Superstars

At the Oscars

Natalie Portman was seen sporting an outstanding Tiffany yellow and white diamond ring to complete her ensemble in her nomination for her role as Jackie Kennedy at the 2017 Academy Awards worth over $100,000.

Academy award winner Kate Winslet, took it a few steps further and accessorized with an entire yellow diamond set, comprising of a $2.5M yellow diamond necklace, a 10 carats pair of fancy intense yellow earrings and two yellow diamonds bracelets

Lady Gaga upstaged both of these superstars when she arrived at the 91st annual Academy Awards wearing a legendary 141-year-old Tiffany diamond, an 128.5-carat yellow diamond valued at over $30 million, the necklace featured the stone and 100 more carats of white diamonds.

The Incomparable

Did you know the 3rd largest diamond in the entire known world is yellow?

The infamous Yellow Diamond, also known as ‘The incomparable’ is a brownish yellow diamond with a weight of over 407 carats. It boasts an unusual triangular shape and has been termed, a ‘triolet’. The 3rd largest diamond ever cut, after the Golden Jubilee and Cullinan I, it is classified as a Shield-Shaped Step Cut, Internally Flawless clarity and Fancy Brownish-Yellow in color.

The Incomparable, aptly named, took four years of painstaking professionalism by known diamantaires to study and cut the rough stone from an initial 890 carats.

To learn more about yellow diamond jewelry, or to inquire about any of our yellow diamond pieces please contact us by livechat, email or phone.

The post Yellow Is The New Black appeared first on Asteria Magazine.

source https://www.asteriadiamonds.com/blog/2019/03/11/yellow-is-the-new-black/