Diamonds are symbols of wealth, status, and power worldwide, values associated with this fantastic creation of nature and deeply embedded in our imagination. Beyond their enchantment, many of them carry fascinating stories. They symbolize human fascination with beauty and resilience against the test of time. Featured here are some of the most legendary diamonds, their origins, remarkable characteristics, and sumptuous designs.
Van Cleef & Arpels: The Pinnacle of Elegance
The inception of the Legend of Diamonds collection in 2018 marked a significant milestone for Van Cleef & Arpels, as it unfolded with the discovery of an extraordinary rough diamond – the Legend of Lesotho. This remarkable find, ranking as the fifth largest rough diamond extracted from the Letseng mine in Lesotho, exemplifies the country’s dedication to the complete traceability of rough stones. Van Cleef & Arpels, renowned for its preference for cut and faceted stones over rough ones, made an exception for the Legend of Lesotho due to its unparalleled rarity. In a departure from its customary practices, the esteemed French jewelry brand acquired the stone, marking the first time in decades that the Maison has been engaged in a project from the extraction phase to the creation of a high jewelry collection.
Van Cleef & Arpels unfolded the Legend of Diamonds narrative through two chapters. The first chapter paid homage to the Mystery Set™ technique, synonymous with the brand, while the second chapter showcased an array of all-white diamonds, celebrating the timeless trends and styles from its archives.
Cartier: Enduring Elegance in Diamonds
Cartier, renowned as the purveyor of the world’s most famous diamonds, has graced the necks of iconic figures such as Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and more recently, Kate Middleton. Notable among Cartier’s legendary diamonds is the Taj Mahal diamond, a heart-shaped pendant dating back to 1627-1628, purchased by Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor’s 40th birthday. The Snake necklace, a creation for María Félix in 1968, is equally exceptional, taking two years to craft with 2,473 baguette-cut brilliant diamonds and two pear-shaped emeralds serving as the snake’s eyes.
The extensive list of Cartier’s famous diamonds captivates not only due to their impressive size, design, and complex craftsmanship but also for the association with celebrities across various sectors who have adorned these masterpieces.
Bulgari: The Apex of Italian Craftsmanship
Established in 1884 in Rome, Italy, Bulgari stands as a prestigious Italian jewelry house, renowned for its excellence in crafting exclusive jewelry. Among its crown jewels is the Laguna Blu, a natural blue diamond mounted on a ring and commercialized in 1970. This 11.16-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, the third rarest color grade for a blue diamond by the American Gemological Institute, holds unparalleled value due to both its rarity and the masterful craftsmanship of Bulgari. Notably, the Laguna Blu made a stunning debut at the Met Gala 2023 when worn by Bulgari’s global ambassador, Priyanka Chopra, before becoming the star attraction at Sotheby’s in Geneva.
Tiffany & Co.: A Radiant Legacy in Yellow
The grand reopening of The Landmark in London marked the unveiling of the redesigned Tiffany diamond, reserved for extraordinary occasions. This high jewelry creation, inspired by Jean Schlumberger’s iconic Bird on a Rock design, exemplifies the visionary artistry of Tiffany & Co. Over almost 2000 hours, artisans individually handset more than 75 carats of diamonds, including 1220 round brilliant diamonds and 35 oval diamonds, along with ten round pink sapphires.
The renowned Tiffany diamond, one of the largest, most sophisticated, and celebrated yellow diamonds globally, was discovered in South Africa in 1877 and acquired by Tiffany & Co. founder Charles Lewis Tiffany a year later. Its final brilliant, cushion-shaped design, cut to 128.54 carats, speaks to the brand’s commitment to valuing beauty over size. The Tiffany diamond, an incredible feat of craftsmanship, remains irreplaceable in its timeless elegance.
