Editor’s Note
This article highlights the extraordinary diamonds crafted by Graff, including the world’s largest square emerald-cut and heart-shaped diamonds, both originating from the historic “Lesedi La Rona” rough stone.
In the history of diamonds, one cannot forget the legendary diamonds owned by Graff. From the second-largest rough diamond in history, the 1109-carat “Lesedi La Rona,” the world’s largest square emerald-cut diamond, “The Graff Lesedi La Rona” (302.37 carats), was born.
From “The 373” (373 carats), the 14th largest rough diamond of this century which was also part of the “Lesedi La Rona,” the world’s largest heart-shaped diamond, “The Graff Infinity” (157.8 carats), was created.
Fumiko Togo of Sotheby’s Japan Jewelry Section, a Graduate Gemologist certified by the Gemological Institute of America and well-versed in the high-end jewelry market, particularly highlights colored diamonds.
In the fall of 2022, the “Williamson Pink Star Diamond” appeared at a Sotheby’s jewelry auction in Hong Kong. As the second-largest internally flawless Fancy Vivid pink diamond in auction history, it garnered significant interest and was sold for HK$45.32 million (approximately ¥8.56 billion), the second-highest price ever for a gemstone at auction. It also set a new record for the highest price per carat for a gemstone.
From the new high jewelry collection announced in January 2023, pieces featuring highly rare pink and green diamonds have emerged. The ring and earrings adorned with pear shapes are sure to receive love calls from jewelry enthusiasts!
The famous quality standards for diamonds are the 4Cs: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat. Beyond these, what has become important in diamond auctions today is whether a diamond is “Type IIa.”
A 38.88-carat brilliant-cut diamond scheduled to be auctioned at the Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction on April 4, 2023. It comes with a report stating it is a D Color Flawless, Triple Excellent (Cut, Polish, Symmetry) Type IIa diamond. It boasts a diameter of 22mm, slightly larger than a one-yen coin.
One of the world’s most famous diamonds is the “Cullinan,” the world’s largest rough diamond at 3106 carats. This stone was presented to King Edward VII of England and was later cut into multiple diamonds. The two largest ones adorn the British Royal Sceptre and the Imperial State Crown, and are also known for being worn and long cherished by Elizabeth II at her coronation.