Photos: The world's biggest diamonds and where they are now

Here are the world's biggest diamonds and where they are at the moment.

1. Cullinan 

The largest diamond ever found is the 3,106-carat Cullinan. 

It was found in South Africa in 1905. It was bought by the Transvaal Colony government 1907 and then presented to King Edward VII.

The King had the rough stone cut by Joseph Asscher & Company of Amsterdam — forming nine major stones (Cullinan I–IX) as well as 96 minor brilliant stones. The largest two stones — Cullinan I and II — now form centrepieces in the Crown Jewels, and sit in the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross and the Imperial State Crown. Despite originally remaining in Amsterdam, the other seven major stones have over time also been acquired or gifted into the possession of the British royal family. 

Many are now in Queen Elizabeth's private collection.

2. Lesedi La Rona 

The second largest diamond ever found is 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona. 

The tennis-ball sized gem was discovered at Karowe, northeastern Botswana, in 2015. It was sold to British jeweller Graff for £40 million in 2017. The rough diamond had previously failed to meet its reserve price of more than $70 million at a Sotheby's auction in 2016. Bidding stalled at $61 million and it was withdrawn from public view. 

In April 2019, Graff had the stone cut into one 302-carat emerald cut diamond and 66 smaller gems. The largest stone, named the Graff Lesedi La Rona, is still owned by Graff.

For info on the third largest, click HERE. 

Toyeen B's World: Photos: World's third largest diamond is discovered in this African country.