[INFOGRAPHIC] Top 10 largest diamonds ever discovered

It’s unanimous: the world loves diamonds. These sparkly jewels have become a staple of wealth, commitment and beauty, as told through catchy slogans like ‘diamonds are forever’ and the notion they’re a girl’s best friend (this one is a fact). 

Because the majority of extracted diamonds are small in stature, we decided to showcase the top 10 largest ever.

10. The Millennium Star – 203.04 carats

Discovered in the Democratic Country of Congo in 1990, this 203.04 carat diamond was purchased by De Beers soon after. It took Ascot Diamonds, a member of the Steinmetz Group of Diamond Companies, roughly three years to cut and shape.

The late De Beers Chairman Harry Oppenheimer famously stated: "it is the most beautiful diamond I have ever seen."

9. The Red Cross – 205.07 carats

Renown for its canary yellow coloring, Red Cross diamond was discovered in South Africa at De Beers mine in 1901. This massive, 205.07 carat cushion shaped gem is one of the rarest diamonds on this list.

8. The De Beers – 234.65 carats

With a name like De Beers, you know it’s a winner. Discovered in South Africa in 1888, the De Beers is the largest diamond recovered at its Kimberly complex. Weighing 234.65 carats, the De Beers is the eighth largest diamond in the world.

• Related content: [INFOGRAPHIC] A Clear Look at Diamonds: How They're Formed, Mined and Sold

7. The Jubiliee – 245.35 carats

Recovered in 1895 at the Jagersfontein Mine in South Africa, the Jubiliee diamond was originally known as the Reitz Diamond in honor of Francis William Reitz, then president of the Free State province of South Africa.

6. The Centenary – 273.85 carats

Another De Beers diamond, the Centenary was found on July 17 1986 while being processed by the electric X-ray recovery system at the Premier Mine. The original stone had 599 carats. The current owner, location and value of the Centenary diamond is unknown but it was insured for $100 million in 1991.

5. The Spirit of de Grisogono – 312.24 carats

At 312.24 carats, the Spirit of de Grisogono is the world’s fifth largest diamond and the world’s largest black diamond. Discovered in western Central African Republic, the black beauty is now set in a white gold ring surrounded by 702 white diamonds weighing 36.69 carat.

4. The Cullinan II – 317.4 carats

The Cullinan II is the second largest stone cut from the mammoth 3,106 carat Cullinan Diamond. It was placed by King Edward in the Sovereign’s Royal Sceptre as part of the Crown Jewels. Estimated at over $400 million, the Culinan II diamond is on display in the tower of London.

3. The Incomparable – 407.48 carats

In a tale of fate, the Incomparable was found in 1984 by a small child that was playing next to a pile of debris from the nearby MIBA Diamond Mine in the Democratic republic of Congo. The value of the diamond is estimated to be worth $20 million.

2. The Cullinan I – 530.20 carats

Nicknamed the Star of Africa, the Cullinan I is the largest of nine large stones cut from the original Cullinan Diamond. The pear shaped diamond weighs 530.20 carats and is the second largest diamond ever discovered.

1. The Golden Jubilee – 545.67 carats

The Golden Jubilee is the Holy Grail of diamonds. Discovered in 1985 in South Africa, this 545.67 carat diamond is the largest cut and faceted diamond in the world. 

Stay connected! Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook 

Check out the latest edition of Mining Global