January 17, 2022: Black diamonds are rare enough. And this one takes the cake. Named ‘The Enigma’, this diamond is a true natural phenomenon. A unique and precious object of curiosity. The diamond weighs a staggering 555.55 carats and has exactly 55 facets!
A treasure from interstellar space, it is the largest Fancy Black Natural Colour diamond in the world, reported by Gubelin and the GIA as of 2004, it was listed as the largest cut diamond in the world in the 2006 Guinness Book of World Records. To have a natural faceted black diamond of this size is an extremely rare occurrence and its origins are shrouded in mystery – thought to have been created either from a meteoric impact or having emerged from a diamond-bearing asteroid that collided with Earth.
Dating from around 2.6 to 3.8 billion years ago, carbonado black diamonds are an extremely rare natural occurrence, containing traces of nitrogen and hydrogen abundant in interstellar space, as well as osbornite, a mineral uniquely present in meteors. Only known to exist in Brazil and The Central Republic of Africa – two regions which were once connected as part of the supercontinent, Rodinia, and an areabelieved to have been struck by meteorites, the exclusive presence of carbonados in these locations adds further weight to the theory that these stones are indeed treasures originating from interstellar space. Black diamonds are known to be extremely tough to cut or polish.
The shape of The Enigma is inspired by the Middle Eastern palm-shaped symbol, the Hamsa – a sign of protection, power and strength. The Hamsa is associated with the number five, which is imbued with symbolic meaning, and the diamond’s carat weight and number of facets is a technical feat for one of the toughest diamonds in existence.
Previously unseen on the market, and never before exhibited to the public, “The Enigma” will have a dedicated auction, open for bidding online from February 3 to 9. Cryptocurrency will be accepted as payment on the diamond. Prior to the auction, the diamond will be exhibited in Dubai, Los Angeles and London.
