Even larger than this remarkable stone is a diamond found in the
Jagersfontein Mine in 1893, and named the 'Jagersfontein Excelsior.'
This is now the largest and most valuable diamond in the world. It is of
blue-white colour, very fine quality, and measures three inches at the
thickest part. The gross weight of this unique stone was no less than
969-1/2 carats (or about 6-1/2 oz.), and the following are its recorded
dimensions: Length, 2-1/2 inches; greatest width, 2 inches; smallest
width, 1-1/2 inches; extreme girth in width, 5-3/8 inches; extreme girth
in length, 6-3/4 inches. It is impossible to say what is the value of so
phenomenal a gem. We do not know that an estimate has been even
attempted; but it may easily be half a million if the cutting is
successful. The diamond has, however, a black flaw in the centre. It is
the property of a syndicate of London diamond merchants. The native who
found it evaded the overseer, and ran to headquarters to secure the
reward, which took the form of £100 in gold and a horse and cart.
Previous to this discovery, the most famous of the African diamonds was,
perhaps, the 'Pam' or 'Jagersfontein' stone, not so much from its size,
as because the Queen had ordered it to be sent to Osborne for her
inspection with a view to purchase, when the untimely death of the Duke
of Clarence put an end to the negotiations. The 'Pam' is only of 55
carats now; but it weighed 112 carats before being cut, and is a stone
of remarkable purity and beauty. Its present value is computed at about
twenty-five thousand pounds sterling.
The most valuable diamond in the world is (if it is a diamond) the
famous 'Braganza' gem belonging to Portugal. It weighed in the rough
state 1680 carats, and was valued at upwards of 5-1/2 millions sterling.
It has long been known that diamonds occur in Australia, but hitherto
the Australian stones have been all of small size, and it is notable
that these are much more difficult to cut, being harder than other
diamonds. Although Victoria and South Australia have occasionally
yielded diamonds, it is New South Wales that has been the principal
producer. The chief diamond localities have been near Mudgee, on the
Cudjegong River, and near Bingera, on the river Horton.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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