THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM hosts one of the world’s rarest diamonds from today (Friday, 25 February), a pear-shaped gem known as the Cora Sun-Drop, unearthed in Africa just last year.


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Its unusual shape and size – the Sun-Drop has a carat rating of 110 – are what give the stone its special aura, as well as its yellow colour.

“The Sun-Drop is yellow because there is a very small amount of nitrogen in its carbon structure,” said Alan Hart, Minerals Curator at the Natural History Museum.

“Extremely large diamonds (over 100 carats) with exceptional colours are historically significant as so few exist, so we are delighted to be able to show the Cora Sun-Drop to our visitors.

“The fact of its size and colour make it truly unique.”

Diamond-fans don’t have forever to see the Sun-Drop, as after six months on display it is set to be sold by Cora International, an American diamond company, presumably for a huge sum.

“One day it will go to someone who is a collector,” said Suzette Gomes, Cora International’s CEO.

“It’s the only pear shape in the world for a diamond of this size.”

The Cora Sun-Drop is on display at The Vault at the Natural History Museum from 25 February.