The Tiffany Diamond is one of the world’s largest yellow diamonds, and has incredible clarity and quality. It was discovered in the Kimberly mines in South Africa in 1877, weighing a whopping 287.42 carats in the rough. The following year, the founder of Tiffany & Co, Charles Lewis Tiffany, acquired this diamond for his own collection. As opposed to being cut to maximize its size and greatness, it was cushion cut to enhance its incredible canary yellow colour to be as bright and bold as possible. Now, the diamond rests at an impressive 128.54 carats.
Over an inch wide, this diamond is incredibly hard to miss. In a modified antique cushion brilliant cut, this stone holds an impressive 82 facets (24 more than ordinary faceted gems) to maximise its brilliance, meaning in incredible reflection of light and colour to the eye. In 2019, the diamonds was given an estimated value of £22.5 million.
The Diamond has only been worn by 4 women following its incredible discovery:
The first of which was by a Mrs E. Sheldon Whitehouse at the 1957 Tiffany Ball. For this occasion, the diamond was mounted onto a necklace encrusted with white diamonds.
Secondly, it was worn by the late, great, and beautiful Audrey Hepburn in 1961 for her publicity photographs for Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The diamond in this occasion was reset in a ribbon rosette necklace by jeweler Jean Schlumberger.
Again, in 2012, the diamond was reset into a necklace containing more than 100 carats of white diamonds. In 2019, Lady Gaga wore the impressive diamond on the red carpet to the 91st Academy Awards ceremony, where she then won the award for best original song.
Lastly, and making further history of being the first ever black woman to wear this diamond, is of course Beyoncé for the Tiffany Campaign this year. It was a hard campaign to miss with the iconic singer displaying the diamond proudly alongside her famous husband, Jay-Z.
Yellow fancy diamonds are, in our opinion, one of the most over-looked of the gemstones. They offer a unique stunning colour, and work fabulously in all jewellery due to their durability and strength. Furthermore, yellow is a fabulous transitional colour working well during the spring, summer and autumn seasons, and compliments all skin tones.
Take a look at some of our fabulous yellow diamond jewellery, or create something bespoke with us to make your own Tiffany look-a-like.
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