Oct

The Centenary Diamond

The Centenary Diamond was brought to light in 1988 in the Premier Mine on July 17. Its discovery was possible due to modern technology and the use of X-ray imaging system. At its public presentation, Julian Oglivie Thompson, chairman of De Beers Consolidated Mines said: “We have recovered at the Premier Mine a diamond of 599 carats (119.8 g) which is perfect in color – indeed it is one of the largest top-color diamonds ever found. Naturally it will be called the Centenary Diamond.” As a rough stone, The Centenary Diamond weighted 599 carats but after cutting and polishing became a beautiful 273.85 carat polished diamond gem.

The Centenary Diamond uncut

Because De Beers celebrated the one hundred birthdays, the new cut diamond was named The Centenary and the task to cleavage it was given to expert Gabi Tolkowsky who was assisted by a special team of engineers and electricians. A special room was designed in the underground of Beers Diamond Research Laboratory in Johannesburg (in South Africa) in order to have the perfect conditions for the cutting task. After the first cuttings Gabi Tolkowsky decided over the design and then the brilliant Centenary Diamond was given 247 facets. It was insured for $100 million at that time but now is said that De Beers is not longer the owner of the amazing diamond and the current owner is unknown.