The Tiffany Diamond is simply one of the most unique and spectacular diamonds in the world. Not only is it incredibly large, but it is also a rare vivid yellow color. The yellow tone is caused by an unusual absorption of nitrogen during the genesis of the stone. The Tiffany Diamond was discovered in the famous DeBeers Kimberly Mine, which is located in South Africa. At 287.42 carats, the Tiffany Diamond is not only one of the largest diamonds known to man, but it is also the largest diamond of its color.
The famous New York jewelry company, Tiffany & Co., purchased the diamond in 1888, one year after it was unearthed. The raw diamond was then cut in Paris under the expert supervision of the company’s gemologist Dr. George F. Kunz. When the diamond was finished, it had over ninety facets. The cushion shape of the diamond has thirty-two more facets than a traditional brilliant cut diamond; not only is the Tiffany Diamond perfectly massive, but its brilliance has also been maximized by its cut. Although the diamond was a complete marvel to everyone who had seen it or even hear about it, the stone was not set into a piece of jewelry for eight years after it was cut.
Over the years, the famous Tiffany Diamond has traveled the world, been set in different fashions, and exhibited in different museums. Since its discovery, the diamond has been on almost continuous display and has been viewed by millions of people. In 1957, the stone was mounted into a necklace and worm to the Tiffany Ball in Newport. The lucky woman who had the honor to wear the Tiffany Diamond was Mrs. Sheldon Whitehouse, the chairwoman of the event.
Although there have been rumors of attempts to buy and sell the Tiffany Diamond over the years, it has not officially exchanged hands since the Fifth Avenue jewelry firm purchased it in the late 1800s. The Tiffany diamond is currently on display at the flagship store in Manhattan. The present setting of the diamond was designed in the 1960's by Jean Schlumberger. The “Bird on a Rock” setting is both quirky and perfectly splendid. In it, a small jewel-encrusted bird perches atop the magnificent Tiffany Diamond. Although the Tiffany Diamond is estimated to be one of the most valuable gems in the world, it is free for anyone to look at as they stroll down Fifth Avenue in New York, New York.
