In March 1888, the enormous, light yellow octahedron was found in the De Beers mine.
It was cut and displayed at the Paris Exhibition in 1889. After the removal of approximately 200 carats during cutting, its weight was 228.5 carats.
The De Beers Diamond is the 7th largest cut diamond in the world.
It was bought after being displayed in Paris, by the Maharajah of Patiala. Cartier Paris set it in 1928 as the centrepiece of a ceremonial necklace.
In 1982, the De Beers Diamond was put up for auction at Sotheby’s, but failed to meet its undisclosed reserve.
The stone is often confused with a larger white diamond called the Imperial, Great White, or Victoria, however mathematical calculations have shown otherwise.