【Cullinan, So】Ultra-Rare 41.82-Carat Blue Diamond Unearthed, Sending Ripples Through the Gemstone Market

A rare natural Type IIb blue diamond weighing 41.82 carats has been discovered in South Africa and is expected to fetch over $40 million at auction.

This blue diamond was found at the Cullinan Mine in South Africa. It belongs to the extremely rare Type IIb diamond group, which accounts for less than 0.1% of the total supply of natural diamonds. The diamond exhibits a deep blue color and has been graded as “Excellent” for both color and clarity.

According to the diamond mining company Petra Diamonds, this blue diamond weighs 41.82 carats, and its blue color is caused by the presence of boron elements within its carbon structure.

The rough diamond has a very unique shape, offering various cutting possibilities. Once cut, it is expected to become a focal point in the high-end auction market.

The company has not yet announced an estimated price. However, based on past precedents such as the 39.34-carat blue diamond sold for approximately $40 million in 2021, analysts believe the new gem from Cullinan could easily reach or exceed the $40 million mark, depending on its post-cutting quality and market trends.

This event has breathed new life into the Cullinan Mine, which has been etched into the history of the global jewelry industry since the discovery of the world’s largest rough diamond there in 1905.

Amid fierce competition from synthetic diamonds and global economic fluctuations in the natural diamond mining industry, the 41.82-carat blue diamond is poised to soon become a centerpiece in the world’s most prestigious collections and museums, further solidifying South Africa’s unique position on the global gemstone map.