Famous Fancy Brown Diamonds

The Golden Jubilee

The largest and most famous brown diamond as well as the largest faceted diamond in the world, the Golden Jubilee is a 545.67 carat, "fire rose" cushion cut, fancy yellow brown diamond. Discovered in 1985 in Cullinan's Premier mine in South Africa, for years this stone was known as the "Unnamed Brown". It got its present name when it was presented to the King of Thailand in 1997 on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee. It is currently part of the crown jewels in the Royal Thai palace.

The Earth Star

Found in 1967 in DeBeers Jagersfontein diamond mine in South Africa, the Earth Star is a pear-shaped 111.59 carat brown diamond cut from a 249 carat rough gem. It is a deep,fancy cognac color with exceptional brilliance for a brown stone.

Star of the South

A light, pinkish-brown diamond, this stone was discovered in the mid-19th century in the Minas-Geraes region of Brazil. It was cut into a 128 carat cushion-cut gem. The stone passed through many hands before finally being acquired by Cartier in 2002.

The Great Chrysanthemum

A 105.15 carat, fancy orange-brown diamond, originally from South Africa, which was cut into a pear shaped modified brilliant cut by diamond cutters S M Kaufman. The stone was owned by NY jeweler Julius Cohen, who had it shown at diamond exhibits throughout the USA. It was later sold to an anonymous buyer.

Cross of Asia

was a 109 carat, table cut, champagne diamond. This gem was cut so that a maltese cross could be seen above the table of the stone. In 1976, the Cross of Asia was purchased from Sothebys at auction by jewelry manufacturer Henry Grossbard and refashioned, using the new radiant cut technology, resulting in 79 carat flawless diamond. Though smaller, it is considered more beautiful than the original.

Golden Maharajah

This 65.57 carat South African diamond is a fancy dark orange brown VS2 stone, cut in a modified pear shape. It was exhibited at the 1937 Worlds Fair and later was on display at the Museum of Natural History. In 2006, the Golden Maharajah was sold to an unknown buyer for over 1.3 million dollars

The Kimberly diamond

a 55.09 carat emerald cut, champagne colored diamond, fashioned from a 490 carat rough found in South Africa's Kimberly diamond mine. Sold to a private collector in the 1970's.

The Thompson Diamonds

A collection of 3 pear-shaped, cognac diamonds (necklace and earrings) on display at the American Museum of Natural History, the largest being the 36 carat diamond set in the pendant. All 3 were cut from a single 264 carat crystal. The set was designed by reknowned jeweler, Harry Winston Inc.

Victoria Transvaal

a 68.89 carat, pear shaped, light brown diamond, on display at the Smithsonian museum. This gem, originally cut from a 240 carat crystal, gets its name from the Transvaal region of Africa where it was discovered.

The Ashberg diamond

Formerly part of Russia's crown jewels, the Ashberg diamond is a cushion-cut, 102.48 carat amber colored diamond. It takes its name from the Swedish banker who acquired it in 1934. The diamond is believed to be currently owned by Christie's, but this is uncertain. There is some dispute as to the actual color of this diamond, and some classify the Ashberg as a yellow diamond rather than a brown diamond. Those who have seen it have described the color as a dark brownish yellow.