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The Orlov Diamond

Legend says this stone, which served as the eye of an Indian idol, found its way into the Court of Russia in the 1700's, where Prince Orlov gave it to his ex-lover, Catherine the Great. This stone is currently held in the Diamond Treasury in Moscow. The stone weighs 194.75 cts.

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The Cullinan, the Star of Africa

The largest rough diamond ever found, the Cullinan originally 3,106 carats (about 1 1/2 pounds!) It was eventually cut into 9 major stones, two of which are in the British Crown Jewels, and 96 smaller stones.  The Cullinan I, which is the pear-shaped diamond in this sceptre  weighs 530.20 cts.  The Cullinan l is the… Continue reading The Cullinan, the Star of Africa

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The Golden Jubilee

The Golden Jubilee is the largest faceted diamond in the world, weighing 545.67 carats. The stone was designed by Gabi Tolkowsky, who also designed the Centenary Diamond. The Golden Jubilee was presented to the King of Thailand in 1997 for his Golden Jubilee - the 50th anniversary of his coronation. Prior to this event, the… Continue reading The Golden Jubilee