Cutting this beast was less “gemsmith” and more “nuclear physics” with a side of panic. The diamond was so precious they built a secret underground vault just to work on it. And here’s the kicker: during the cutting, the main saw melted from the friction. Yes, the saw melted. Sparks flew, engineers screamed, and Gabi probably bit through his own lips.
They had to laser-cut the thing, which was like performing brain surgery with a fire hose. Finally, after two years and a million heart attacks, they revealed the finished stone: a 545-carat golden flower with 148 facets. It’s not just a diamond; it’s a weather event.
The Name Game (and the King’s Denial)
You’d think this sparkly legend would be named something cool, like “The Doom Star” or “Sparklepocalypse.” Nope. It’s called the Golden Jubilee because it was presented to the King of Thailand in 1997 for his 50th coronation anniversary. But here’s the funny part: the king didn’t want it at first.
Apparently, he was worried people would think he was showing off. He eventually caved, probably because his jeweler whispered, “Your Majesty, it’s twice the size of your head.” Now it sits in the Royal Thai Palace Museum, and visitors have to wear sunglasses to avoid retinal burns. Seriously, the thing is so brilliant it can be seen from orbit (probably).
But wait—you’re thinking, “What about the Star of Africa? The Cullinan?” Good point, but those are bigger in their rough form. The Golden Jubilee is the largest cut and polished diamond on Earth. It’s the difference between a mountain of marble and a finished statue of a very rich cat.
Cullinan Diamond Cut
