Top 10 Largest Diamonds in the World: Nature’s Most Mind-Blowing Treasures

Let’s be honest: there’s just something magical about diamonds. These sparkly things have been the stuff of dreams, fairy tales, and blockbuster heist movies for centuries. But we’re not just talking about your average engagement ring here—we’re diving into the biggest diamonds in the world, the ones that could make your jaw hit the floor. Yep, these stones are that massive.

Whether you’re a gem enthusiast or just curious about the world’s most expensive diamond, buckle up—you’re in for a wild (and shiny) ride.

1. Cullinan Diamond – 3,106 Carats

Let’s start with the biggest diamond ever found—the legendary Cullinan Diamond. This baby was unearthed in 1905 at the Premier Mine in South Africa (which is still one of the largest diamond mines in the world). Weighing a jaw-dropping 3,106 carats, it’s basically the heavyweight champion of diamonds.

It was gifted to King Edward VII and later chopped up into 9 major stones and a bunch of smaller ones. Two of the most famous cuts?

• Cullinan I (aka the Great Star of Africa): 530.2 carats—currently in the British Sovereign’s Sceptre.
• Cullinan II: 317.4 carats—part of the Imperial State Crown.

Cullinan diamond price? Technically priceless. But experts estimate it could be worth over $400 million today. That’s… more than most castles.

(And yep, this one’s also known as the largest cut diamond in the world. No big deal.)

2. Lesedi La Rona – 1,109 Carats

In 2015, Botswana gave us the Lesedi La Rona, which means “Our Light.” Found at the Karowe Mine, this 1,109-carat beauty is the largest diamond ever found in over a century.

It was eventually snapped up by Graff for $53 million—pocket change if you’re a billionaire—and cut into a breathtaking 302.37-carat stone (plus a few extra sparkly friends).

Fun fact: I actually remember reading about this one over morning coffee and nearly choked on my toast.

3. Excelsior Diamond – 995.2 Carats

Back in 1893, miners at the Jagersfontein Mine in South Africa hit the jackpot with the Excelsior Diamond. At the time, it was the largest diamond in the world, until the Cullinan came along and stole the spotlight.

It was a gorgeous bluish-white gem, but unfortunately, it was cut into several pieces instead of being preserved whole. Tragic? Maybe. Profitable? Definitely.

4. Star of Sierra Leone – 968.9 Carats

Another massive stone, this time from West Africa. Found in 1972, the Star of Sierra Leone was almost 1,000 carats and had top-tier clarity—so good, it’s been called one of the best diamonds in the world.

It was sliced into 17 individual gems. The largest? A dazzling 53.96-carat pear-shaped diamond.

5. Incomparable Diamond – 890 Carats

This one has an underdog story. A young girl in the Congo found this large rough diamond in a pile of rubble. Yes, really.

It eventually became a 407.48-carat yellow-brown diamond—the largest internally flawless diamond in the world (at the time). It was set in a $55 million necklace. Casual.

6. Koh-i-Noor – Originally 793 Carats

Ah, the infamous Koh-i-Noor. One of the most precious diamonds in the world, and definitely one of the most controversial.

It originally weighed 793 carats, but after a bit of ahem aggressive re-cutting, it now sits at 105.6 carats. It’s also part of the British Crown Jewels, and some say it’s cursed. Honestly? It wouldn’t surprise me.

If you’re wondering who owns the Cullinan Diamond and its friends like Koh-i-Noor—yep, the British Royal Family.

7. Millennium Star – 777 Carats

When De Beers revealed this flawless diamond in 1999, it blew everyone’s minds. This världens största diamant (Swedish for “world’s largest diamond,” because why not throw in some international flair) is flawless and pear-shaped—203.04 carats after cutting.

It was also nearly stolen in a dramatic heist. Diamonds really do come with drama.

8. Woyie River Diamond – 770 Carats

Found in Sierra Leone (again!), this big diamond made headlines in 1945. It was cut into 30 smaller gems, with the biggest weighing 31.34 carats.

Not the flashiest on this list, but hey—size still matters.

9. Golden Jubilee Diamond – 755 Carats

Here’s a stunner: the Golden Jubilee Diamond was found in 1985 at the same mine as the Cullinan. Originally called the “Unnamed Brown,” it got a glow-up and is now the largest faceted diamond in the world, weighing 545.67 carats.

It’s part of Thailand’s crown jewels now. Honestly, if I ever saw it in person, I’d probably cry a little.

10. Jonker Diamond – 726 Carats

Last on the list, but definitely not least: the Jonker Diamond. Found near Pretoria in 1934, this baby weighed 726 carats and was cut into 13 separate stones.

The biggest? A classy 142.9-carat emerald cut. You know, just something simple and elegant.

Final Sparkles

So, what is the biggest diamond in the world? That crown still belongs to the Cullinan Diamond, a.k.a. the Great Star of Africa, followed closely by Lesedi La Rona and a handful of others that still make headlines.

From the largest diamond ever found to the most expensive diamond in the world, these stones are more than just sparkles—they’re stories. Tales of chance discoveries, royal intrigue, and people who held history in the palm of their hand.

And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be the one to stumble on the next world’s biggest diamond… just keep an eye on those gravel piles.

If you’re as obsessed as I am, look up the biggest diamond mine in the world—you’ll see just how deep we dig for beauty.

Oh, and if you ever need help remembering: the größter diamant der welt? That’s German for “largest diamond in the world.” Just in case you’re ever on a diamond-themed trivia show. 

PS: Still wondering how much is the Cullinan Diamond worth or what is the most expensive diamond in the world? Let’s just say, it’s more than all my worldly possessions combined. And I’m okay with that.