We have all seen pictures of the enormous diamond engagement and wedding rings worn by top celebrity superstars like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez. But how much do these famous diamonds cost, and how long would it take the average person to save enough money to buy one? According to the US Census, the median household income was $51,017. Using this figure, here is an estimate of how long it would take the average American to afford some of the world’s most expensive diamonds, assuming their entire income went toward saving for the diamond.
- Allnatt Diamond. The Allnatt Diamond has an estimated value of $3 million and would take the average American almost 59 years to afford. Named after Major Alfred Ernest Allnatt, a previous owner of the diamond, the Allnatt is a cushion-cut yellow diamond weighing more than 101 carats.
- The Moussaieff Red Diamond. The Moussaieff Red Diamond is valued at approximately $7 million. As its name suggests, it has a brilliant red color. The diamond weighs more than 5 carats and has a triangular shape. Based on the median household income mentioned above, it would take the average American approximately 137 years to afford this rare diamond. It is also known as one of the largest red diamonds graded by the Gemological Institute of America.
- The Heart of Eternity. The Heart of Eternity Diamond is valued at approximately $16 million. This vivid blue diamond is cut into a heart shape and weighs more than 27 carats. It would take the average American approximately 314 years to afford this extraordinary diamond.
- Wittelsbach Diamond. The Wittelsbach Diamond weighs more than 35 carats and has an estimated value of $16.4 million. This famous blue diamond would take the average American approximately 321 years to afford. The Wittelsbach Diamond was once part of the Austrian and Bavarian crown jewels.
Wittelsbach Diamond: $16.4 million, 35.36 carats
Years it would take to buy: 321 years
- The Steinmetz Pink. The Steinmetz Pink Diamond is valued at approximately $25 million and is one of the most famous vivid pink diamonds ever discovered. The diamond weighs more than 59 carats and would take the average American approximately 490 years to afford if it were available for sale. The diamond is associated with the Smithsonian Museum collection in Washington, D.C.
- Centenary Diamond. The De Beers Centenary Diamond is renowned for its exceptional colorless appearance and high clarity. The diamond is valued at approximately $100 million and weighs more than 273 carats. Based on the median household income, it would take the average American approximately 2,450 years to afford this extraordinary diamond.
- Hope Diamond. The Hope Diamond is one of the world’s most famous and legendary diamonds. This blue diamond is valued at approximately $350 million and weighs around 45 carats. Like the Steinmetz Pink Diamond, the Hope Diamond is part of the Smithsonian Institution’s collection. If it were available for purchase at that valuation, it would take the average American thousands of years to afford it.
- Cullinan Diamond. The Cullinan Diamond, also associated with the name Star of Africa, originated from the famous Cullinan rough diamond, which was the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered. The original rough stone weighed more than 3,000 carats and was eventually cut into several significant diamonds. The source estimates a value of approximately $400 million for the diamond and calculates that it would take the average American thousands of years to afford.
- Sancy Diamond. The value of the Sancy Diamond is unknown, making it effectively priceless. This pale yellow diamond weighs approximately 55 carats and has a fascinating history connected to European royalty. It was once associated with the French Crown Jewels and is now displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The Sancy is also notable for its distinctive shield-like shape and historic cutting style.
- Koh-i-Noor. The Koh-i-Noor Diamond, whose name translates to “Mountain of Light,” is one of the world’s most famous historic diamonds. It weighs approximately 105 carats in its current cut form and is considered priceless. The diamond has passed through the hands of various rulers and eventually became part of the British Crown Jewels.
Like most people, these extraordinary diamonds are clearly far beyond the typical budget for an engagement ring. Luckily, Diamond Hedge makes it easier to compare diamonds based on your preferred cut, clarity, color, carat, and price. You can explore loose diamonds and compare options from leading diamond companies to find a diamond that fits your preferences and budget.
For more information about diamonds and diamond price comparison, visit Diamond Hedge.
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