Famous Diamonds

The Agra

The Agra is a famous cushion cut pink diamond which was discovered in the Golconda region. The pink stone originally weighed 41.75 carats. It was first sold in 1905 at Christie’s for $25,000. In 1990, it was again auctioned in London where a winning bid of $6,900,000 was recorded. The new owners, SIBA Corporation in Hong Kong, had the diamond recut to 28.15 carats.

The Centenary
The Centenary diamond originated, according to De Beers, from the Premier Mine in the late 80’s. It weighed 599 carats. Not surprisingly, it was sent to Antwerp, famous for excellent polishing. The stone was studied for three years by several experts under Gabi Tolkowsky, a notorious Antwerp polisher. The final work is a treasure of 273 carats and 247 facets. In 1991 the stone was insured for approximately 137 million US dollars.

The Cullinan
Perhaps the most impressive of them all, this rough stone weighed more than 3000 carats and was also found at the Premier Mine. The diamond was purchased by the South African government and donated to King Edward on his birthday. It was cut by the Asscher Diamond Company in the Netherlands, after being cleaved into three parts.

The Conde
Large pink diamond of over 90 carats, cut into a pear shape. This truly large and rare pink diamond was left to the Institut de France where it was stolen. It was later recovered and put on display at the Conde Museum.

The Hope
Very large intense blue diamond of more than 44 carats, cushion cut. This blue diamond has changed hands several times and is surrounded by superstitious stories of misfortune. In India it was purchased by J-B Tavernier who sold it to Louis XIV. Since, it has been stolen and rediscovered. The diamond was purchased by Henry Hope in the early 19th century. It was later put on display at the Smithsonian institute in Washington.