The most famous missing diamond is arguably the Florentine Diamond, a large, light-yellow gem of the Habsburg dynasty, which vanished after World War I and resurfaced in 2025 after being hidden for a century, ending one of the biggest mysteries in jewelry history. While other famous gems like the French Blue (Hope Diamond) were stolen and later reappeared in altered form, the Florentine's disappearance and recent reappearance make it a prime example of a truly "lost" treasure finding its way back into the light.
Lost 'Florentine Diamond' Resurfaces in Canada After 100 Years Out of Sight. The jewelry world is abuzz with the dramatic announcement that the legendary "Florentine Diamond" has finally emerged from obscurity after nearly a century of mystery.
The World's Most Famous Diamonds
The Florentine Diamond Was Thought to Be Lost to History. It's Actually Been Safely Tucked Away in a Canadian Bank Vault All Along.
1. Painite - Extremely Rare and Complex Stone. Painite is an exceptionally rare borate mineral renowned for its striking hues and scarcity. Discovered in Myanmar by British gemologist Arthur C.D.
The Aquamarine name comes from the Latin word for seawater and is said to calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. It is sometimes referred to as a poor man's diamond because of the pale color.
What Is an Old Mine Cut Diamond? Taylor Swift's engagement ring features an old mine cut diamond, estimated to weigh anywhere from eight to 10 carats. First introduced in the 18th century, the old mine cut is considered one of the earliest forms of the modern brilliant cut, holding deep roots in jewelry history.
A diamond appropriate for 75% of a $20k engagement budget could range from 1 to 2.50 carats, or even higher, depending on the shape, and how it's graded in other areas. It may even be able to get you a diamond 3 carat or larger stone if you opt for a lab-grown diamond instead.
As diamonds age from 100 years to 120 years old and we move further away from the 20th century, these old cuts will not only become more scarce but also more valuable. As an example, jewelry from the 17th century and older is extremely valuable and rare.
Meghan Markle's jewelry collection includes several heirloom pieces from the late Princess of Wales. The Duchess of Sussex wore Diana's iconic "divorce ring" to her 2018 wedding reception, for example. She has since stepped out in earrings, bracelets, and necklaces that once belonged to her late mother-in-law.
NEED TO KNOW
The diamond was purchased and cut by the William Goldberg Diamond Corp., where it went by its original name, the Red Shield. It was purchased in 2001 or 2002 by Shlomo Moussaieff, an Israeli-born jewelry dealer in London. It is currently owned by Moussaieff Jewellers Ltd.
After exhibiting the diamond on tour for several years, Winston set it in a necklace and donated it in 1958 to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., where it remains on permanent exhibition.
Red diamonds are the rarest and some of the most expensive in the world. Also known as Fancy Reds, they come in a variety of shades ranging from orange-red to brownish red.
There are guardrails in place in case of emergency — like what happened at the VMAs. Chafe says usually someone from "one side of the deal" signs an insurance waiver for the product in case it gets damaged (or lost at the VMAs). The story had a happy ending: A fan video captured the moment Swift found the diamond.
What is the carat weight of the diamond in Michelle Obama's engagement ring? Michelle's current engagement ring is a 3-carat princess or cushion cut diamond set in a white gold, pavé style setting. Her original engagement ring was a one-carat solitaire set in yellow gold.
Platinum is also usually more expensive than gold. Why is platinum more expensive than gold? More than 1,000 tons of gold are mined every year, but only a little over 150 tons of platinum are mined in a year.
The Details of Melania Trump's Wedding Ring
Among the most sought after diamonds worldwide, the ring's centrepiece is an amazing 15 carat D flawless emerald cut diamond.
Mariah Carey's 35-Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond
He proposed with a 35-carat emerald-cut diamond ring worth an estimated $10 million. This ring was one of the biggest ever given to a celebrity, in both size and price.
The engagement ring salary rule is a long-standing guideline suggesting that a person should spend a certain portion of their income — commonly one to three months' salary — on an engagement ring. The most well-known version is the 3 months' salary engagement ring rule.
Gypsum crystals from the Great Salt Lake in Utah have been nicknamed “dirty diamonds.” With a chemical composition of hydrous calcium sulfate (CaSO4 · 2H2O), such crystals are found as floater crystals in clay beds, where they fully form without being attached to matrix.
The diamond emoji typically represents jewelry or diamonds. It can also signify an engagement or marriage. Besides that, it's also used as a symbol of wealth, sophistication, luxury, or beauty. It's used to convey that something's expensive and luxurious, to celebrate engagement and marriage, or to talk about gems.
Over its 350-year history, the Hope Diamond has become one of the most famous cursed diamonds. After being stolen and recut, it is said to have contributed to the downfall and death of its owners. Discovered in India in 1673, it was originally a 115-carat blue diamond.