In 1986, an extraordinary diamond weighing 755.50 carats was discovered at the Premier Mine in Transvaal, South Africa. Measuring an incredible 55.65 mm in width, 49.20 mm in length and 34.25 mm in depth, the diamond was truly a unique find. The color of the stone is a beautiful golden yellow and within its heart is a wonderfully mysterious shine, which appears a bright reddish hue under optimum light conditions. This gives the diamond a character unlike any other.
Recognizing the importance of this great stone, DeBeers, owner of the stone at the time, turned to master diamond cutter and long-time consultant Gabi Tolkowsky for guidance. He in turn assembled a skilled team, starting with master cutter Dawie de Plessis.
South Africa was chosen as the site to polish the diamond. In an underground location near Johannesburg, a bunker was built to ensure a vibration-free environment. No consideration was too small to make sure the cutters remained calm. Even the walls were painted a faint green to keep the eyes relaxed. The tools were selected so they wouldn’t shine and distract the cutter, but were strong enough to do the job.
Before the cutting process began, the team made many drawings and worked with a number of models before each stage of the cutting process. The care and thought that went into the process was based on the master cutter’s intentions of maintaining the size of the diamond.
Taking three years to complete, the finished “Golden Jubilee” diamond in 545.45 carats and has 55 perfectly symmetrical facets on the top, 69 below, and 14 on the girdle. The Golden Jubilee therefore bears the distinction of being the largest polished diamond in the world. Mr.Tolkowsky chose to cut the diamond into a fire rose cushion, a special flower-cut design for fancy colored diamonds.
In February 1995 the diamond made its first public appearance at an exhibition arranged by Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI). Know as the BOI Fair, this exhibition was held in the seaport town of Laem Chabang. The people of Thailand became the first to see the stone on public display. Showing tremendous interest, long lines of people waited in the heat of the sun just to catch a glimpse of this magnificent stone.
Also in attendance at the fair were His Majesty King Bhumibol and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit who took great interest in the stone. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of his ascension to the throne in 1996, His Majesty is currently the longest reigning monarch in the world. Throughout the 50 years King Bhumibol has brought a sense of calm and serenity to Thailand with the pragmatic authority of a Constitutional Monarch who has exercised the greatest measure of dignity.
His Majesty holds many offices. He is a painter and a photographer, hosting exhibitions almost every year. He is a farmer, responsible for three agricultural stations experimenting with new crops and dairy products. His Majesty is also sailor who earned a gold medal at the Southeast Asia Penninsular Games. He is fluent in seven European languages and his prowess on eight musical instruments has earned worldwide attention. He even composed a song for a Broadway musical.
When His Majesty held the special diamond at the BOI Fair, it was realized that the acquisition of the stone would be a most appropriate way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ascension to the throne. It was thought that the diamond characterized the durability of His Majesty’s reign, and so a group of Thai businessmen arranged for the then unnamed stone to be given to His Majesty as a gift from the people of Thailand commemorating this auspicious occasion.
Once the arrangements had been made, with the consent of His Majesty, it was then sought to have the diamond christened as the Golden Jubilee in honor of the 50th anniversary of his coronation.
For the people of Thailand there is gratification in knowing the Golden Jubilee has found a home in Thailand as it will mark an important event in the history of Eastern culture. Many legends written by western authors surround stones that have made their way from East to West. The Golden Jubilee marks the first time a major diamond has begun its life in the West and made its way to the East.
The Golden Jubilee is currently on display at the Jewelry trade Center in Bangkok. Soon it will begin a tour of the United States, Europe and Asia. First stop on the tour is Borsheim’s, America’s number one independent jewelry store. Borsheim’s is owned by Berkshire Hathaway whose Chairman and CEO is Warren Buffett. Forbes magazine recently listed Buffett as the world’s richest man. Considered the modern world’s greatest financial investor, Buffett built a massive 19.4 billion dollar fortune with an initial investment of only $100. The Golden Jubilee Diamond Exhibition will be held in conjunction with Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholders meeting in Omaha, Nebraska.
At the end of the world tour the Golden Jubilee will return to Thailand to be set in a specially designed scepter. It will then be presented to King Bhumibol as a reminder of the high regard the people of Thailand have for their Monarch and the Royal Family.