The Radiance of the Cora Sun-Drop Diamond: A Journey Through Its Illustrious Legacy
Core Sun-Drop Dimaond // Getty Images
The Cora Sun-Drop Diamond, a breathtaking gem of enormous value and history, is a paragon of nature's ability to create grandeur beyond human imagination. This exceptional diamond exudes an incredible display of color and intensity that has enchanted many and tells a captivating tale of its significant owners, value, dimensions, and weight.
The Glimmering Prodigy of Nature
Renowned for its mesmerizing allure and immense size, the Cora Sun-Drop Diamond, at 110.3 carats, is one of the largest known pear-shaped fancy vivid yellow diamonds in the world. In terms of its dimensions, this magnificent gem measures an impressive 26.91 x 19.15 x 13.19 mm. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamonds on their color, cut, clarity, and carat weight, collectively known as the Four Cs. The Cora Sun-Drop received the highest possible color grading for a yellow diamond from GIA: 'Fancy Vivid,' signifying its exceptional quality. Only 1 in 1000 diamonds has a good enough body colour to be called fancy.
An Emblem of Extravagance
Cora Sun-Drop Diamond Mounted as a Ring // Getty Images
The rarity and distinctiveness of the Cora Sun-Drop's vibrant yellow color, coupled with its impressive size, make it a highly prized gemstone. Its value transcends the monetary estimation, symbolizing an amalgamation of rarity, beauty, and artistry. However, in the realm of economic evaluation, this diamond of extraordinary magnitude has often been sold at high premium prices.
On February 24, 2011, this exquisite gem found a temporary home in the London Natural History Museum's prestigious Vault. Here, it joined the ranks of other remarkable gemstones, including the Duke of Devonshire Emerald and the Aurora Pyramid of Hope, for a six-month period. In November 2011, the Cora Sun-Drop Diamond made headlines when it was auctioned at Sotheby's in Geneva for over $10.9 million, and with commission and taxes the total cost was $12.36 million. The anonymous buyer paid nearly $100,000 per carat, marking a significant record in the history of yellow diamond sales. In its previous transaction in 2010, the gem was sold to an anonymous private collector for an undisclosed amount, emphasizing its escalating value and demand in the global market.
The Storied History of Ownership
Over the course of its existence, the Cora Sun-Drop Diamond has graced the collections of numerous prestigious individuals. Each owner has played a pivotal role in enhancing its already illustrious history, thereby bolstering both its fame and value.
Formed between 1 to 3 billion years ago, the diamond's journey became truly remarkable when it was unearthed in a South African kimberlite pipe in 2010. At the time of its discovery, the rough diamond boasted an impressive weight of 287.42 carats. The task of refining this raw stone fell to Cora International, a New York-based diamond manufacturer renowned for its specialization in large, rare, and high-quality diamonds. The company meticulously cut and polished the diamond, revealing its full glory and splendor.
The year of its transformation, 2010, also saw the Cora Sun-Drop Diamond change hands to the well-known British gem dealer, Laurence Graff. Famous for his vast array of colored diamonds, Graff was undoubtedly drawn to the unique appeal and rarity of the Cora Sun-Drop. His ownership, however, was short-lived as he soon sold the diamond to a private collector for an undisclosed sum, leaving the diamond's whereabouts shrouded in mystery.
As previously mentioned, the Cora Sun-Drop Diamond came into the public spotlight once again when it was featured in a Sotheby's auction in Geneva in November 2011. The auction became a historical event when an anonymous buyer purchased the diamond for a staggering $10.9 million, setting a record for yellow diamond sales. Following this significant occasion, the precise location and ownership of the diamond have remained well-kept secrets.
The Allure of the Sun-Drop
Cora Sun-Drop Diamond Ring // Getty Images
The Cora Sun-Drop Diamond is more than a piece of radiant beauty. It represents the journey of a remarkable gemstone through the corridors of time, leaving an indelible mark in the world of precious stones. It embodies the power of nature, the finesse of human artistry, and the passion of collectors, captivating everyone with its vivid hue and majestic size.
From its discovery in the heart of South Africa to its transformation in the skilled hands of Cora International, and through its various prestigious ownerships, the Cora Sun-Drop Diamond has enthralled many. Its rare 'Fancy Vivid' yellow color and impressive size have augmented its value, positioning it as one of the world's most coveted gemstones.
The Cora Sun-Drop Diamond remains a symbol of opulence and rarity, continuing to fascinate enthusiasts and experts alike. Its vibrant hue, monumental size, and compelling history ensure that it will always remain an extraordinary gem in the annals of diamond lore. As it continues to traverse its journey, the Cora Sun-Drop Diamond's allure and grandeur promise to shine undiminished, like the sun it so closely resembles.
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