The Enigma (diamond)
The Enigma[1] is the largest polished black diamond in the world,[2] containing 55 facets and weighing 555.55 carats (111.11 grams).
It was commissioned and inspired by Belgian Ran Gorenstein, president of the international fintech company RGM Global Ventures, and completed in June 2004 after several years of cutting and faceting. The repetitive use of the number five in the gem's design is derived from the hamsa, a palm-shaped amulet popular among Muslims and Jews in the Middle East and North Africa.[3]
The Enigma is a semi-transparent carbonado with a dark brown color. Typically referred to as black diamonds, carbonados are often reserved for industrial uses. Larger specimens are considered collectors’ stones; most gem-quality stones used in contemporary jewelry design have been treated to produce the black color. A natural black diamond of this size is extremely rare.
The Enigma's origin is uncertain, but it is believed to be either result from a meteoric impact or be part of an asteroid that struck Earth.[3]
In February 2022, it was sold for £3.16 million by Sotheby's to an undisclosed buyer, later revealed as Richard Heart,[1] founder of the cryptocurrency Hex. Heart got caught trying to buy the diamond with stolen money, now he's up against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission who charged Heart with fraud.[4] He will appear in the Southern District of New York court at a jury trial in 2025, accused of defrauding investors of 1.7 billion dollars. Additionally he has been charged by Finnish authorities with assault, as well as tax fraud, and has been arrested in absentia by the Finnish police as he remains on the run. [5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "The Enigma: Billion-year-old black diamond sold for £3.16m". BBC. Retrieved 2022-02-12.
- ^ "Largest cut Fancy Black (diamond)". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 2022-01-31.
- ^ a b Jani-Friend, Isabelle. "A 555.55-carat black diamond believed to come from space is going on sale". CNN. Retrieved 2022-01-31.
- ^ Stempel, Jonathan (31 July 2023). "US SEC says Hex crypto founder defrauded investors, spent money on 'Enigma' diamond". reuters. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
- ^ https://www.iltalehti.fi/kotimaa/a/37cbcd96-c8a9-420c-8c67-d666d6380774.