Allnatt Diamond

Infobox Diamond


caption =
colour_scheme = orange
gem_name = The Allnatt
weight = 101.29
grams = 20.258
color = Fancy Vivid Yellow
cut = Cushion
mine = probably Premier Diamond Mine
country = probably South Africa
cutter = several
found = unknown (pre-1950s)
original_owner = Alfred Ernest Allnatt
owner = SIBA Corp.
value = at least USD 3 millionThe Allnatt Diamond is a diamond measuring 101.29 carats (20.258 g) with a cushion cut, rated in color as Fancy Vivid Yellow by the Gemological Institute of America. This diamond is named after one of its holders, Major Alfred Ernest Allnatt, a soldier, sportsman, art patron and benefactor. While it is not known precisely where the Allnatt originated, many experts believe that it was probably found in what is now known as the De Beers Premier Diamond Mine.

The Allnatt's origins are unknown prior to Major Allnatt's purchasing of the diamond in the early 1950s. After purchasing the diamond, he commissioned Cartier to make a setting for it. The final setting was a platinum flower with five petals, a stem and two leaves, all set with diamonds. The Allnatt was resold at auction in May 1996 by Christie's in Geneva for $3,043,496 US. At the time of its sale the Allnatt was 102.07 carats (20.414 g). and was graded Fancy Intense Yellow. After being sold to the SIBA Corporation, the diamond was re-cut to its current weight and the intensity was upgraded as a result.

The Allnatt was displayed as part of the Smithsonian's "The Splendor of Diamonds" exhibit, alongside The De Beers Millennium Star and The Heart of Eternity.

References

* Gemological Institute of America. [http://www.gia.edu/microsite/15378/the_allnatt.cfm "The Allnatt Diamond"] . Retrieved April 13, 2005.
* AM Diamonds. [http://www.am-diamonds.com/famous-diamonds.php?id=3 "Famous Diamonds: The Allnatt Diamond"] . Retrieved April 13, 2005.
* Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. [http://www.mnh.si.edu/exhibits/si-gems/allnatt.html "The Splendor of Diamonds"] . Retrieved April 13, 2005.
* Color Diamond Encyclopedia. [http://www.color-diamond-encyclopedia.com/?f=ct_EN_5_20.html "The Allnatt (Vivid Yellow)"] . Retrieved April 13, 2005
* Inland Lapidary. [http://www.inlandlapidary.com/user_area/biggems.asp "Some of the World's Largest Gems"] . Retrieved April 13, 2005.
* The World of Famous Diamonds. [http://famousdiamonds.tripod.com/allnattdiamond.html "The Allnatt"] .