“The Enigma” weighs exactly 555.55 carats and has 55 facets.
Last year was a record-breaking one for luxury auction house Sotheby’s. With a total of over $1 billion in global sales, they became the first auction house to achieve such a total—driven by a record number of bidders.
Last week, they announced the auction for a Guinness World Record holding black diamond, which at 555.55 carats is the largest cut diamond globally. Dubbed by Sotheby’s as “The Enigma,” it surpasses the Great Star of Africa (530.2 carats) and the Golden Jubilee (545.67 carats), which were previously the world’s most significant diamond cuts.
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Interestingly, its origin is believed to come from space. While most diamonds are usually found in igneous kimberlite rock formed within the Earth, black diamonds or carbonados are found in sedimentary deposits on our surface.
Given the rock was formed closer to the ground suggests that it has extraterrestrial origins from either a meteoric impact or “supernovae explosions that formed diamond-bearing asteroids.”
Deflection against evil
According to the auction house, the structure of carbonados is “the toughest in existence,” making it “nearly impossible” to cut and polish. It’s why it took several years to complete and shape into 55 facets.
The diamond’s shape also has a story—it’s inspired by the Hamsa, a Middle Eastern palm symbol. It symbolizes blessings, power, strength and is used as a sign of protection.
After being exhibited in Los Angeles and Dubai, the Enigma is going under the hammer in February in London. Previously, it was displayed at the 2010 Shanghai Expo and was viewed by 71 million people in six months. Sotheby’s expects the diamond-cut to sell for $6.8 million (almost P350 million).
Banner photo from sothebys.com
