Titanium has many potent qualities that have allowed it to become one of the most diverse metals in the world. It has been used to send space shuttles soaring, allowed submarines to plunge to unheard of depths and is the preferred substance for refined surgical tools in the medical world. And the mighty Titanium only continues to add onto to its impressive roster into the new millennium.

Why Titanium? If there were a warrior in the jewelry world, it would be Titanium. Dually noted for its strength, beauty, nobility, purity and resilience, this metal is certainly making an inspiring mark in the world today.

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Diamonds have been known to mankind for thousands of years due to their beauty as well as their hardy qualities. Even the smallest of diamonds have beautiful, sparkling qualities that are rarely found in other gemstones. Here we take a look at some of the most extraordinary and famous diamonds that are known to modern times.

1. The Cullinan Diamond or Great Star of Africa - The Largest Polished Diamond

Named after mine owner Sir Thomas Cullinan, The Cullinan Diamond, also known as the Great Star of Africa, is undeniably the largest rough gem-quality diamond that has ever been found. Brought to the surface by Premiere Diamond Mining Company in Cullinan, South Africa, this astounding gem weighed in at a whopping 3,106.75 carats precut!

An analysis was taken and the original diamond had the most excellent clarity Sir William Crookes (the man behind the analysis) had ever seen. The stone was transported to the Transvaal government and presented to King Edward VII. From there, it was taken to the Asscher Brothers of Amsterdam who proceeded to cut the large stone into smaller, useable quantities.

The largest stone from the slice was dubbed Cullinan I or the Star of Africa and still remains the largest clear polished diamond in the world. It is only beat out by the bold, brown Golden Jubilee. The second largest gemstone and third largest polished diamond in the world is the Cullinan II or the Lesser Star of Africa. Both are displayed in the Tower of London and are part of the elusive Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.

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