The world’s most expensive diamonds have captivated the minds of collectors and investors for centuries. From ancient Indian royalty to modern day billionaires, these rare gems have been sought after as symbols of wealth and prestige. With their remarkable beauty, rarity, and size, it’s no wonder why some of the most expensive diamonds in history can fetch prices that easily exceed tens of millions of dollars.

In this article we will explore what makes a diamond so valuable, from its cut and clarity to its carat size – all factors that contribute to establishing a diamond’s worth. We’ll also take an in-depth look at some famous examples of high-priced diamonds throughout history – many still considered among the world’s most expensive today. So without further ado let us begin our journey into understanding just how much money one can spend on these precious stones!

11. The Blue Moon of Josephine: $48.4 million

The Blue Moon of Josephine is a stunning 12.03-carat diamond currently owned by billionaire Joseph Lau who bought it for a jaw-dropping $48.4 million. This sensational diamond is significant as it is not only one of the most beautiful diamonds in the world, but also holds the record of most expensive diamond ever sold at an auction.

It was discovered in 2014 in South Africa, where it was cut and polished into a stunning cushion shape, described to be filled with a white light that radiates from its core. The Blue Moon of Josephine has charmed countless people around the globe – no wonder it fetched such a staggering amount!

10. Lesedi La Rona: $53 million

The Lesedi La Rona is one of the most expensive diamonds in the world, ranking as the 9th most expensive diamond. This incredible gem was previously known as Karowe AK6 and was found in the Karowe mine in Botswana on November 16th, 2015. The rough diamond was bought by British jeweller Graff for $53 million in 2017 and was later cut into one large emerald cut diamond and 66 smaller stones.

The Lesedi La Rona is a colorless, type IIa diamond that weighs 1,111 carats and is estimated to be over 2.5 billion years old. This precious stone was named “Our Light” in the Tswana language and was the result of a naming competition open to all citizens of Botswana. The Lesedi La Rona has been insured for $120 million and is a true masterpiece of the diamond industry.

9. Winston Pink Legacy: $54.3 million

The Pink Legacy is a magnificent diamond that has had a rich history and is now one of the most expensive diamonds in the world. Mined in South Africa in 1918, it was once owned by the Oppenheimer family before being purchased by Harry Winston, Inc. in 2018 and renamed to Winston Pink Legacy. With its Fancy Vivid Pink color and VS1 clarity, it weighs 18.96 carats and boasts a cut-cornered rectangular cut that has remained unchanged since 1920.

In 2018, the Winston Pink Legacy was sold at a Christie’s auction for a record-breaking 50.375 million Swiss francs, setting a new world record for the most expensive pink diamond sold per carat at $2.6 million. Now mounted in a platinum ring, the Pink Legacy shines as a stunning example of the beauty and history of diamonds.

8. Williamson Pink Star: 57.7Million

The “Williamson Pink Star” is one of the most rare, beautiful, and most expensive diamonds in the world. Weighing 11.15 carats with internally flawless clarity, it is only the second internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond over 10 carats to be offered at auction. This unique gem is a true representation of the rarity and elegance of pink diamonds. In nature, pink diamonds are extremely rare, with less than 5% of all colored diamonds being predominantly pink. The exact cause of color in pink diamonds is still unknown, but it is believed to be a result of atomic distress.

Pink diamonds have always held a significant place in history, with famous gems like the Darya-i-Nur, Noor-ul-Ain, Agra, and the Williamson Pink Diamond. The Williamson mine, discovered in 1940 by Canadian geologist Dr. John Williamson, was famous for producing fine “bubblegum” pink diamonds. The most famous example from this mine is the Williamson Pink Diamond, which belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II. Whether it’s it’s unique color, rarity, or elegance, this diamond is truly special and will always be remembered as one of the most expensive diamonds in the world.

7. The Regent Diamond: $57.9 million

The Regent Diamond, one of the most expensive diamonds in the world, is a 140.64-carat beauty that is currently owned by the French state and displayed at the Louvre. The diamond has a rich history that dates back to its discovery in the Kollur Mine near the Krishna River in India. The diamond was acquired by English governor Thomas Pitt, who had it cut in London into a 141-carat cushion brilliant.

After several failed attempts to sell the diamond to European royalty, it was purchased by the French Regent Philippe II in 1717 for the French Crown. It was then set into the crowns of Louis XV and Louis XVI, as well as adorning a hat belonging to Marie Antoinette. The Regent Diamond was even used by Napoleon Bonaparte as the guard of his sword and was later redeemed by him to finance the military expenses. Today, the Regent Diamond, mounted in a Greek diadem, remains in the French Royal Treasury at the Louvre, where it has been on display since 1887 with an estimated value of $57,900,000.

6. The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond: $58 million

The Oppenheimer Blue, a stunning 14.62 carat fancy vivid blue diamond, made history in 2016 as one of the most expensive diamonds ever sold at auction. It was sold for a whopping $58 million, setting a new world record for any jewel. The bidding process was intense, with two collectors going head to head for over 20 minutes.

The Oppenheimer Blue was named after its previous owner, Sir Philip Oppenheimer, who was a prominent figure in the international diamond industry. The rectangular-cut diamond was surrounded by trapeze-shaped diamonds and was the center of attention in a room filled with over 300 clients. The sale took place at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva, and was a proud moment for Christie’s, as it was part of their 250th anniversary in business.

5. The Pink Star Diamond: $71.2 million

The Pink Star, formerly known as the Steinmetz Pink, is a 59.60 carat diamond with a Fancy Vivid Pink rating from the Gemological Institute of America. This remarkable diamond was mined in South Africa by De Beers in 1999 and weighed 132.5 carats in its rough form. It took the Beny Steinmetz Group 20 months to carefully cut this precious gem, which was finally unveiled in Monaco in 2003.

This exceptional diamond has been displayed at various exhibitions, including the Smithsonian’s “The Splendor of Diamonds”. In 2013, the Pink Star was sold at an auction in Geneva for a world-record price of CHF 68 million. However, the buyer failed to settle the price, and the diamond was eventually sold in Hong Kong in 2017 for US$71.2 million to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, making it the most expensive diamond ever sold.

4. Centenary Diamond: $90 – $100 million

The De Beers Centenary Diamond is considered one of the most expensive diamonds in the world. With a weight of 273.85 carats (54.770 g), it is the third-largest diamond to have been produced in the Premier Mine and among the top-color diamonds, only the Cullinan I and II are larger. The Centenary Diamond is rated as a D color by the Gemological Institute of America, making it the highest grade of colourless diamond.

The cutting process of the Centenary Diamond was a complex task led by Gabi Tolkowsky and his team. After 154 days of cutting and removing 50 carats (10 g) of cracked material, the team was left with a final gem weighing 273.85 carats (54.770 g). It is believed that the Centenary Diamond is worth at least $90 million today.

3. The Hope Diamond: $200 – $350 million

The Hope Diamond, one of the most famous and most expensive diamonds in the world, is a 45.52-carat deep-blue gem that has a rich history. Originally extracted from the Kollur Mine in India in the 17th century, it was purchased by French gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier and later sold to King Louis XIV of France. The diamond was re-cut and renamed after being stolen in 1792 and was later owned by Washington socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean before being purchased by New York gem merchant Harry Winston in 1949.

Winston later donated the diamond to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, where it is now on permanent exhibition and is widely considered one of the most expensive diamonds in the world, with an estimated value of $200-$350 million. The Hope Diamond is known for its fancy dark greyish blue color, resulting from trace amounts of boron, and its antique cushion cut.

2. Star of Africa: $400+ million

The Cullinan Diamond, also known as the Star of Africa, is a true testament to the world’s most expensive diamonds. Discovered in 1905, this diamond was the largest rough diamond ever found, weighing in at a massive 3,106.75 carats. The Cullinan Diamond has since been cut into 9 main diamonds, including the Great Star of Africa, which weighs 530.2 carats and is considered the largest clear cut diamond in the world.

This diamond, which has 74 facets and is a pendeloque-cut brilliant, rests atop the Sovereign Sceptre with Cross, which had to be redesigned to accommodate it. In terms of clarity, the Great Star of Africa has a few tiny cleavages and a small patch of graining, but it’s still considered one of the world’s most valuable diamonds.

Queen Mary, wife of George V, was often seen wearing the diamond as a pendant suspended from Cullinan II to make a brooch. The Cullinan Diamond and its main cuts are now part of the Crown jewels of the United Kingdom and are a testament to the world’s most expensive diamonds.

1. Most Expensive Diamond: Koh-i-Noor – Priceless

Koh-i-Noor is the most expensive diamond in the word. It’s name means “Mountain of Light”in Persian. With a weight of 105.602 carats and dimensions of 3.6 cm long, 3.2 cm wide, and 1.3 cm deep, this diamond has been given priceless status due to its unique brilliance. It has a colorless rating of “D” and is classified as a Type IIa diamond, with an oval brilliant cut and 66 facets.

However, its exact origin and history are shrouded in mystery and controversy, with claims that it was stolen from India and many nations still asserting their ownership of this diamond. Koh-i-noor has undergone re-cuts and reductions in size throughout its existence, making it one of the largest cut diamonds in the world today. Despite the uncertain history surrounding the Koh-i-Noor, it remains an incredible gemstone, with a beauty that continues to captivate and bewilder those who gaze upon it.