Recently, the world’s largest known cut diamond called “The Enigma” was sold at an online auction held by the prestigious Sotheby’s auction house in London. Weighing a remarkable 555 carats, this rare black diamond, also known as a carbanado, is believed to have originated from a meteorite or an asteroid impact on Earth over 2.6 billion years ago. The fact that carbonados, like “The Enigma,” are often found near the Earth’s surface indicates their extraterrestrial origins.
According to experts at Sotheby’s, this particular type of black diamond is thought to have been formed through natural chemical vapor deposition caused by meteoric impacts or an extraterrestrial source, such as diamond-bearing asteroids resulting from supernovae explosions that later collided with Earth. The distinctiveness and historical significance of “The Enigma” contributed to its high value at the auction.
Described as an enigmatic treasure, this diamond had been privately owned for the past two decades and had never been publicly displayed until now. Over a three-year period, experts meticulously transformed the rough diamond into a beautiful jewel with 55 facets. Prior to the auction, it was showcased in Dubai, Los Angeles, and London to generate interest and anticipation.
“The Enigma” stands out due to its unique shape, inspired by the Hamsa, a symbol of power and protection in the Middle East. Its design, which also correlates with the number five, sets it apart from the more commonly seen diamond shapes. Tobias Kormind, the managing director of Europe’s largest online jeweler, the Mayfair, expressed his admiration for this diamond, stating that its size, shape, and extraterrestrial origins make it truly groundbreaking and remarkable.
Although “The Enigma” is not a gem-quality diamond and carbanados are generally not used in jewelry or sold at auctions, they have gained popularity in recent times. These diamonds are known for their exceptional hardness, which makes them suitable for industrial drilling purposes. Sotheby’s has described “The Enigma” as a “cosmic wonder” ahead of the sale, and the auction house even accepted cryptocurrency bids for this extraordinary diamond.
Importantly, the sale of “The Enigma” contributes to the growing trend of high-value transactions in the diamond industry being made with cryptocurrencies. In a previous auction in Hong Kong, the Key 10138 diamond was sold for a staggering $12.3 million using cryptocurrency as payment. This further highlights the increasing acceptance and utilization of cryptocurrencies in the diamond market.
“The Enigma” has become not just a diamond of impressive size but also a symbol of unparalleled rarity and allure. Its unique origin, design, and historical significance have firmly placed it within the realm of precious gemstones. As a result, “The Enigma” continues to captivate both enthusiastic admirers and avid collectors.
Useful links for the article:
Sotheby’s Official Website
Mayfair Jewellers Official Website
