--- title: The Excelsior Diamond date: 2015-11-24T10:34:00+00:00 author: Ellie Kyle canonical_url: "https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/engagement-ring-insurance/the-excelsior/" section: News --- Our Customers Love Us! Engagement Ring Insurance [Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/assetsure.com) [Home](/) › [Jewellery Insurance](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/) › [Engagement Ring Insurance](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/engagement-ring-insurance/) › [The Excelsior Diamond](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/engagement-ring-insurance/the-excelsior/) # The Excelsior Diamond Unlike many of the diamonds in this series, the story of the Excelsior diamond is not one of love, religion or myth. Rather, the tale of the Excelsior provides a stark and eye opening reminder of the potentially destructive power of money. Its discovery remains a hugely significant moment in history the Excelsior’s story is one to remember. ### A hidden treasure On an otherwise quiet and nondescript day in 1893, in the early days of the Jagersfontein Mine in South Africa, a record-breaking discovery was made. Hidden amongst a mound of gravel, the diamond now known as the Excelsior diamond was unearthed. Mine workers noticed the unique features associated with Jagersfontein diamonds the bluish-white colour and internal black spots buried deep within the diamond. Further examination revealed that not only was the artefact recovered indeed a Jagersfontein diamond, but also that it was the largest rough diamond ever found, weighing in at over 995 carats. #### The best thing since sliced bread The diamond was later named the Excelsior, meaning “higher”. This is thought to be inspired by its physical appearance, which resembled a loaf of rye bread; flat on one side, rising to a peak on the other. The discovery of the Excelsior diamond hugely boosted the area’s mining activity, and just four years later the Reitz diamond was found in the same mine. Following this success, the New Jagersfontein Mining and Exploration Company, the owner of the Jagersfontein mine, made deals with a number of firms in London for the purchase of the output of the mine, and, a short while later, the Excelsior diamond found itself on the way to London. #### The greatest tragedy of modern times Once the Excelsior arrived in London, it was immediately put up for sale. However, following a lack of willing buyers, it was later decided that the original 995 carat rough diamond would be cut into a number of smaller, purer fragments. Thus, in 1904, the Excelsior was cleaved into ten pieces and, only a small number of years later, subsequently became no less than 21 individual pieces. These final cuts of the Excelsior diamond vary in size and in cut, however what was once a 995 carat diamond now weighs in at 373.75 carats, representing a loss in weight of almost 63%. As might be expected, this move was not popular with all parties. Alpheus F. Williams of De Beers, a world-leading diamond company, called the cleaving of the Excelsior “unpardonable” and motivated by profit, rather than historical significance or merit. So disappointed by the cutting of the Excelsior diamond was Williams, that he labelled it the greatest tragedy of modern times. #### A millennial mystery In the years following, the 21 fragments were later distributed to buyers all across the globe. Three of the pieces were purchased by New York-based Tiffany & Co. in 1939, whereas the largest of the pieces, the 70 carat Excelsior I, was in the possession of a family in the United States for several decades. After the most recent purchase in 1996 by Robert Mouawad, for a record $2,642,000, Excelsior I now resides in a bracelet in Mouawad’s collection. The whereabouts of many of the other fragments, however, remain unknown to this day. Rumours of diamonds matching the descriptions of several of the missing Excelsior diamonds have surfaced over recent decades, but none have been formally recognised. While the Excelsior no longer measures up to its impressive original weight, nor holds the title of the world’s largest rough diamond ever found (following the 1905 discovery of the diamond), it remains the second largest rough diamond ever found and its discovery still to this day holds monumental historical significance. #### Protect your treasures Whether your diamond is a fragment of the original Excelsior or your own personal treasure, we know that all diamonds are precious and deserve the best protection. Though it is not always possible to prevent loss or theft, with Assetsure’s standalone [Diamond Ring Insurance](/jewellery/diamond-ring-insurance/) you can rest assured knowing that its financial worth is covered should such eventualities occur. ## Latest News & Advice [![Which Engagement Ring Shape Makes A Diamond Look Largest](/assets/uploads/images/_800x405_crop_center-center_none/diamond-shapes-news-banner.webp)](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/engagement-ring-insurance/make-a-diamond-look-largest/) ### [Which Engagement Ring Shape Makes A Diamond Look Largest](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/engagement-ring-insurance/make-a-diamond-look-largest/) Which engagement ring shape makes a diamond look largest? It is easy to assume that a diamond with a greater carat weight will always look bigger. In reality, that's not always the case.... [![What Are The Most Popular Engagement Ring Styles 2026/27](/assets/uploads/images/_800x405_crop_center-center_none/ring-styles-news-banner.webp)](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/engagement-ring-insurance/popular-engagement-ring-styles/) ### [What Are The Most Popular Engagement Ring Styles 2026/27](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/engagement-ring-insurance/popular-engagement-ring-styles/) If you're shopping for a ring, here are some of the engagement ring trends expected to remain popular throughout the rest of 2026 and into 2027.... [![Would You Choose The Same Engagement Ring Today](/assets/uploads/images/_800x405_crop_center-center_none/same-ring-news-banner.webp)](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/engagement-ring-insurance/same-engagement-ring-today/) ### [Would You Choose The Same Engagement Ring Today](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/engagement-ring-insurance/same-engagement-ring-today/) If you were choosing an engagement ring today, would you pick exactly the same one?Recent research suggests many people might not.... [More News](https://assetsure.com/news) ## Why choose our specialist insurance cover? ### Extensive Cover Our policy provides all-risks cover as standard. This means events such as loss or damage are covered with fewer exclusions and warranties. ### Worldwide Cover You are covered anywhere in the world for trips up to 60 days. ### Single Item Insurance We can insure your engagement ring on it's own or you may like to add other items such as wedding rings or other items of jewellery. ### Protect your no claims bonus This is a "stand-alone" policy, any claim will not affect any no claims bonus you may have under your home insurance ### Excellent friendly claims service We are here to help you if you need to make a claim. We will liaise between you and the insurers to help settle your claim as quickly as possible. ### Members of BIBA We are members of the British Insurance Brokers Association,the UK's leading general insurance intermediary organisation. [Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/assetsure.com) [ View All ](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/assetsure.com)[ Get Quote ](#quickQuote) [Most Popular](#tabs__tabmost-popular)[Jewellery](#tabs__tabjewellery)[Leisure](#tabs__tableisure)[Collectables](#tabs__tabcollectables)[Events](#tabs__tabevents)[Hearing Aids](#tabs__tabhearing-aids)[Property](#tabs__tabhomes) [#### Engagement Ring Insurance ![Engagement Ring Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/engagement-ring-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/engagement-ring-insurance/) [#### Watch Insurance ![Watch Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/watch-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/watch-insurance/) [#### Camera Insurance ![Camera Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/camera-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/leisure/camera-insurance/) [#### Home Insurance ![Home Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/home-insurance-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/homes/home-insurance/) [#### Collectable Insurance ![Collectable Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/collectables-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/collectables/other/) [#### Bicycle Insurance ![Bicycle Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/bike-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/bicycles/bicycle-insurance/) [ All Insurances](https://www.assetsure.com/insurance/) [#### Engagement Ring Insurance ![Engagement Ring Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/engagement-ring-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/engagement-ring-insurance/) [#### Insurance for Jewellery Collections ![Insurance for Jewellery Collections](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/jewellery-collection-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/insurance-for-jewellery-collections/) [#### Watch Insurance ![Watch Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/watch-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/watch-insurance/) [#### Wedding Ring Insurance ![Wedding Ring Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/wedding-ring-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/wedding-ring-insurance/) [#### Diamond Ring Insurance ![Diamond Ring Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/diamond-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/diamond-ring-insurance/) [#### Earrings Insurance ![Earrings Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/Earing-emerald-shutterstock_1156023577-mid.jpg)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/earrings-insurance/) [#### Standalone Jewellery Insurance ![Standalone Jewellery Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/Standalone-Jewellery_-Shutterstock_2493208421.jpg)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/jewellery-insurance/) [#### Ring Insurance ![Ring Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/ring-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/ring-insurance/) [#### Rolex Watch Insurance ![Rolex Watch Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/rolex-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/rolex-insurance/) [#### Single Item Insurance ![Single Item Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/single-item-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/single-item-insurance/) [#### Safe Deposit Box Insurance ![Safe Deposit Box Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/safe-box-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/jewellery/safe-deposit-box-insurance/) [ All Insurances](https://www.assetsure.com/insurance/) [#### Camera Insurance ![Camera Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/camera-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/leisure/camera-insurance/) [#### Musical Instrument Insurance ![Musical Instrument Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/Guitar-thumb.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/leisure/musical-instrument-insurance/) [#### Bicycle Insurance ![Bicycle Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/bike-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/bicycles/bicycle-insurance/) [ All Insurances](https://www.assetsure.com/insurance/) [#### Antique Insurance ![Antique Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/Antiques-thumb.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/collectables/antique-insurance/) [#### Coin Insurance ![Coin Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/coins-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/collectables/coin-collections/) [#### Fine Art Insurance ![Fine Art Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/fine-art-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/collectables/fine-art-insurance/) [#### Handbag Insurance ![Handbag Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/handbag-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/collectables/handbag-insurance/) [#### Militaria & Military Collectables Insurance ![Militaria & Military Collectables Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/military-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/collectables/militaria-insurance/) [#### Stamp Insurance ![Stamp Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/stamps-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/collectables/stamp-collections/) [#### Wine Insurance ![Wine Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/wine-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/collectables/wine-insurance/) [ All Insurances](https://www.assetsure.com/insurance/) [ All Insurances](https://www.assetsure.com/insurance/) [#### Hearing Aid Insurance ![Hearing Aid Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/hearing-aid-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/hearing-aids/hearing-aid-insurance/) [ All Insurances](https://www.assetsure.com/insurance/) [#### Home Insurance ![Home Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/home-insurance-feature.webp)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/homes/home-insurance/) [#### High Net Worth Home Insurance ![High Net Worth Home Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/High-net-worth-thumb.jpg)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/homes/high-net-worth-home-insurance/) [#### Listed Buildings Insurance ![Listed Buildings Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/Listed-building-thumb.jpg)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/homes/listed-buildings-insurance/) [#### Holiday Home Insurance ![Holiday Home Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/Holiday-home-thumb.jpg)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/homes/holiday-home-cover/) [#### Buy To Let Insurance ![Buy To Let Insurance](/assets/uploads/images/_tabLinkThumbnail/Buy-to-let-thumb.jpg)Get an instant quote](https://www.assetsure.com/homes/buy-to-let-insurance/) [ All Insurances](https://www.assetsure.com/insurance/)