The Jubilee Diamond, also known as the “Victoria Diamond,” is one of the most famous and remarkable diamonds in the world. With a rich history, breathtaking beauty, and an impressive size, the Jubilee Diamond has captured the hearts and minds of many gemstone enthusiasts and collectors. In this article, we will explore the fascinating story behind this remarkable gemstone, its characteristics, and its significance in the world of diamonds.
The Jubilee Diamond was discovered in 1895 in the Jagersfontein Mine in South Africa, which was known for producing large and high-quality diamonds. It was named “Jubilee” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the reign of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, who was also the Empress of India. The rough diamond was originally a massive 650.80 carats, making it one of the largest diamonds ever discovered at the time. It was subsequently cut and polished by the renowned Amsterdam-based diamond cutting firm, Asscher Brothers, led by the famous diamond cutter, Joseph Asscher.
The cutting and polishing process of the Jubilee Diamond took two years to complete and resulted in a stunning diamond with an exquisite step-cut design known as an “Asscher Cut.” The diamond has 75 facets, including 32 on the crown, 40 on the pavilion, and three on the girdle. This unique cut enhances the diamond’s clarity and brilliance, allowing it to reflect light in a mesmerizing way, and gives it a distinctive geometric shape with cropped corners, similar to an emerald cut. The Jubilee Diamond has a uniform color and is classified as a Type IIa diamond, which is known for its exceptional purity and lack of nitrogen impurities, making it incredibly rare and valuable.
The Jubilee Diamond has an estimated weight of 245.35 carats after cutting, making it one of the largest polished diamonds in the world. It measures approximately 30.48 mm in length, 22.61 mm in width, and 13.47 mm in depth, and has a unique octagonal shape with truncated corners. The diamond is also inscribed with its unique identification number, “JUBILEE 1897,” further adding to its provenance and historical significance.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Jubilee Diamond is its stunning color. It is classified as a fancy yellow-brown diamond, also known as a “cognac” or “champagne” diamond, due to its rich and warm hue. The diamond’s color is believed to be caused by the presence of nitrogen and other trace elements during its formation, which gives it its distinctive and captivating appearance. The unique combination of its large size, exceptional clarity, and exquisite color makes the Jubilee Diamond a truly exceptional gemstone.
The Jubilee Diamond has a storied history and has changed hands several times over the years. After its cutting and polishing by the Asscher Brothers, it was sold to the famous diamond dealer, Joseph Duveen, who sold it to an undisclosed buyer in 1898. It was subsequently purchased by Sir Julius Wernher, a prominent British industrialist and collector of precious gems, who added it to his impressive collection of jewels. In 1910, the Jubilee Diamond was exhibited at the Anglo-French Exhibition in London, where it garnered significant attention and admiration.
In 1935, Sir Julius Wernher’s collection was auctioned off, and the Jubilee Diamond was sold to an anonymous buyer. It remained in private hands for several decades until it was sold at auction in 1977 to a private collector for a record-breaking price of $3.1 million, making it one of the most expensive diamonds ever sold at the time. In 1998, the Jubilee Diamond was once again sold in a private transaction, and its current owner remains undisclosed.
The Jubilee Diamond has not only captivated collectors and enthusiasts with its size, beauty, and history, but it has also played a significant role in showcasing the rich heritage of diamonds and their cultural significance. As a diamond named in honor of Queen Victoria’s jubilee, it symbolizes a momentous occasion in British history and serves as a testament to the enduring allure and value of diamonds as precious gemstones.
The Jubilee Diamond has also been a part of various exhibitions and displays around the world, allowing admirers to marvel at its splendor. Its unique characteristics, including its large size, remarkable cut, and stunning color, make it a true treasure in the world of gemstones. Its story and journey from the mines of South Africa to the hands of private collectors have added to its mystique and allure, making it a coveted gemstone for those who appreciate rare and exceptional diamonds.
In addition to its historical and cultural significance, the Jubilee Diamond has also contributed to the scientific understanding of diamonds. Through meticulous analysis of its physical and chemical properties, gemologists and scientists have been able to gain insights into the formation and characteristics of diamonds, which has furthered our knowledge of these precious gemstones and their geological origins.
The Jubilee Diamond also serves as a testament to the craftsmanship and expertise of diamond cutters, such as Joseph Asscher, who painstakingly transformed a rough diamond into a breathtaking masterpiece. The precision and skill required to cut and polish such a large and valuable diamond while maintaining its beauty and integrity is a true testament to the artistry and skill of diamond cutting, which has been honed over centuries.
In conclusion, the Jubilee Diamond is a remarkable gemstone that has captured the imagination of many with its size, beauty, and historical significance. Its journey from the mines of South Africa to the hands of private collectors, its unique characteristics including its cut, color, and clarity, and its contribution to the fields of science and craftsmanship make it a true gem in the world of diamonds.
As a symbol of Queen Victoria’s jubilee, it represents a momentous occasion in history and serves as a testament to the enduring allure and value of diamonds as precious gemstones. The Jubilee Diamond continues to fascinate and inspire those who appreciate the rare and exceptional, and its legacy as one of the most famous diamonds in the world is sure to endure for generations to come.
The Jubilee Diamond, also known as the “Victoria Diamond,” is popular due to its rich history, breathtaking beauty, and impressive size. Its large size, estimated to be 245.35 carats after cutting, makes it one of the largest polished diamonds in the world. The exquisite Asscher Cut, with its 75 facets and unique geometric shape, enhances the diamond’s clarity and brilliance, creating a mesmerizing display of light. Its fancy yellow-brown color, classified as a cognac or champagne diamond, adds to its allure. The diamond’s historical significance, cultural symbolism, and contributions to scientific understanding of diamonds also make it highly coveted and renowned among gemstone enthusiasts and collectors.
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