subject: Steinmetz Sirius [print this page] When one thinks of a perfect diamond, which diamonds come to mind? Well, there may be quite a few legendary diamonds, famous diamonds and expensive gemstones that have made their way on numerous celebratory lists; but one of the largest perfect diamonds in the world that has earned its standing as a rare and valuable beauty is the Steinmetz Sirius. In fact, the Steinmetz Sirius Diamond is only the fourth diamond across the globe that was put up to be sold at an auction, which weighs over 100 carats and has perfect colour and clarity.
The exquisite diamond weighs a total of 103.83 carats and according to the best gemologists of the globe is a Type IIa stone, possessing a D colour, which is the highest colour grade any diamond can acquire. The Steinmetz Sirius diamond also obtained the highest clarity grade and was pronounced to be Internally Flawless, an honor only a handful of diamonds can aspire to achieve. The diamond is cut into a cushion shape by skillful cutters at Steinmetz. All these aspects add up to its rarity and exclusive magnificence.
The rough was discovered in the renowned Premier Mine, which is also called the Cullinan Diamond Mine, as it is situated in South Africas Cullinan town in the Gauteng Province. It was then worked on by some of the best planners, designers, cutters and artisans in the industry. The rough crystal was cut over a long period of over eighteen months and crafted into the cushion shape and cut that it holds now. The cushion shape was decided in tribute to the world-renowned Hope Diamond.
The Steinmetz Group presented the Steinmetz Sirius diamond to the general public at the exhibition held at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC from June 27 to September 15 in 2003. The exhibit was rightly named the Splendor of Diamonds Exhibit, and featured some of the most celebrated fancy coloured diamonds of today. There were seven rare and valuable diamonds showcased at the exhibit, ranging from 5.11 to 203.04 carats in weight.
These included the Steinmetz Pink, which is a 59.60 carat Vivid Pink diamond. The D colour, pear shaped De Beers Millenium Star weighing 203.04 carats. The Heart of Eternity, which weighs 27.64 carats and possesses a unique Vivid Blue colour. The trillion cut, 5.11-carat Moussaieff Red Diamond, which is the largest Fancy Red sparkler. The Fancy Vivid Orange Pumpkin Diamond of 5.51 carats. The fancy vivid yellow Allnatt Diamond, weighing 102.29 carats, and the 5.54 carats blue-green colour Ocean Dream Diamond. The Steinmetz Sirius was added to this exhibit during its last leg in September as a gesture of thanks for the overwhelming response of the public towards this one of a kind display.
