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Xianxi Diamond: One of the cutest diamonds in the world

May 26, 2023


The scarcity of some gems and their glorious deeds have made some diamonds obtain mythical status. Xianxi Diamond, also known as Sanxi Diamond, is one of them, with a weight of no less than 55.23 carats and a unique light yellow appearance. This is one of the most beautiful diamonds in the world, it has gone through a turbulent history, but now it has returned to the hands of the guardians of French security. What kind of story is behind the Sangxi Diamond?



*The History of Xianxi Diamonds
*How did Xianxi Diamond get this name?
*The Value of Sangxi Diamonds
*Where can I admire the Sandwich Diamonds?



The History of Xianxi Diamonds

The Sangxi diamond was first mentioned in literature in 1477. Charles the Brave lost the Battle of Nancy at that time. He fled, but was found dead two days later; He once fell off a horse. His daughter Mary of Burgundy inherited the throne (later witnessing the birth of this diamond engagement ring). This diamond may have fallen into the hands of the Portuguese in this war, as the Sanci diamond first appeared in Portugal.



This gem remained in the hands of the Portuguese for nearly a century before it was handed over.

In 1570, Nicholas de Haray, the great landlord of the Sanxi region, purchased this gem to increase his collection of gems. De Halley clearly estimated its value because he decided not to sell the diamond. He lent this diamond to the French court, who loved luxury and grandeur. Until 1596, the Sanci diamonds remained a part of the French court jewelry collection, although they were borrowed.



De Halley did not want to sell this diamond, but in 1596, due to financial difficulties, he had to do everything he could to save himself. He decided to sell the diamonds, but not to the French court. King James I of England won the bid, and the diamond left France for almost a century.



In 1690, James II was defeated in the Battle of the River Boyne and fled to France, selling the diamond to Sun King Louis XIV. From then on, Sanci Diamonds stayed at the French court, but during the turmoil of the French Revolution, the court encountered misfortune. Various rare diamonds have been stolen, including Sangxi and The Blue Hope Diamond.

De Halley did not want to sell this diamond, but in 1596, due to financial difficulties, he had to do everything he could to save himself. He decided to sell the diamonds, but not to the French court. King James I of England won the bid, and the diamond left France for almost a century.

In 1690, James II was defeated in the Battle of the River Boyne and fled to France, selling the diamond to Sun King Louis XIV. From then on, Sanci Diamonds stayed at the French court, but during the turmoil of the French Revolution, the court encountered misfortune. Various rare diamonds have been stolen, including Sangxi and The Blue Hope Diamond.



In 1828, this precious diamond reappeared and was purchased by Russian prince Anatoly Demidov. In 1865, Prince Anatole Demidorf sold Sanci Diamonds to a French jeweler. In 1906, William Waldorf Astor bought the diamond and gave it to his daughter-in-law as a wedding gift.


How did Xianxi Diamond get this name?

It was King James I of England who named this diamond Sancy. He named this diamond "Sanxi Diamond" because he bought it from the great landlord of Sanxi, Nicholas de Haray. This diamond was stored in the Tower of London for a period of time, and at that time, the diamond was accompanied by a plaque that read: "Purchased from Sangxi".


The Value of Sangxi Diamonds

The Sangxi diamond is really unique, especially its color. We can evaluate this French diamond based on 4C:

Carat: 55.23
Color: light yellow
Cutting: A symmetrical shield with two identical surfaces
Clarity: Unknown


The value of this diamond has never been calculated, as its strange history is also where its value lies. The current valuation of this diamond is over 6 million euros. It is one of the most famous diamonds in the world.




Where can I admire the Sandwich Diamonds?
Astor's son inherited the Sanci diamond and sold it to the Louvre. To this day, in the Louvre, people can still appreciate the gems on the Sanci diamond and other French crowns. Sangxi Diamond has an exciting history of over 500 years, and it is definitely worth visiting the Louvre.



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