Spoonmaker's Diamond

The Spoonmaker’s Diamond is a historic jewel housed in the Ottoman Empire’s treasury collection and recognized as one of the largest and most valuable diamonds in the world. Currently on display at the Topkapı Sarayı Treasury Department, it stands out as one of the most significant precious stones symbolizing the richness and grandeur of Ottoman palace culture. Surrounded by various legends, the Spoonmaker’s Diamond is particularly renowned for its weight of 86 carats, pear-shaped cut, and exceptional brilliance. As a jewel of great cultural significance to Türkiye, it has been regarded not only as an aesthetic object but also as a political and diplomatic asset throughout its historical journey.

Spoonmaker’s Diamond (Anadolu Agency)

Physical Characteristics

Weight

• Weight of the main stone: 86 ct (17.2 g), according to Topkapı Palace records
• Estimated original crystal weight: 132–133 ct (accounting for an estimated 50–60% loss during cutting)

Dimensions

• Longest axis: 3.2 cm
• Greatest width: 1.9 cm
• Maximum height: 0.8 cm
• Volume-based weight estimation confirms approximately 86 ct

Cut and Shape

• Pear-shaped outer form with single-sided rose cut
• Asymmetrical and half-faceted cut, distinct from early diamond cuts; the back is hollow and likely sealed with a tin foil backing
• Forty-nine small diamonds are mounted in a gold frame following the contour of the main stone; the top stone is pear-shaped, the rest are round

Color

• The exact color cannot be determined precisely due to the foil backing
• Estimated to be approximately “G” (colorless) on the color scale

Brilliance, Dispersion and Clarity

• Despite its single-sided rose cut, the diamond exhibits high brilliance
• The foil backing enhances color dispersion and fire effect significantly (illusion effect)
• Appears very clean from a distance; under 10x magnification, minor inclusions and imperfections are visible; overall clarity is rated as VS

Jewel Features

• The jewel consists of the main diamond and the surrounding 49 small diamonds set in a gold frame
• Manufacture date: Approximately 1825, during the reign of Sultan Mahmud II (1808–1839)
• Weight of the main stone: 17.2 g
• Total weight of the entire jewel: 38 g
• Dimensions: 7.0 cm x 6.0 cm
• A foil backing is present on the reverse side to enhance the volume and brilliance of the main stone
• Today it is displayed in a secure cabinet on a burgundy velvet cushion

History

The exact date of the Spoonmaker’s Diamond’s entry into the Ottoman Palace is unknown, but sources indicate it was incorporated into the treasury prior to the reign of Sultan Mahmud II (1808–1839). The diamond’s name derives from various legends surrounding its arrival in Ottoman lands; the most prevalent account holds that it was brought by a spoonmaker. The diamond was preserved as part of various imperial jewelry collections and acquired its current form during the reign of Sultan Mahmud II. During this period, its aesthetic and diplomatic value were both acknowledged. Throughout history, numerous sources have emphasized the diamond’s status as one of the symbolic treasures of the Ottoman treasury.

Location and Current Status

The Spoonmaker’s Diamond is exhibited in the Outer Treasury section of Topkapı Palace. This section is visited by an average of 15,000 visitors daily, and the diamond is among the most popular exhibits. Security at the palace is maintained at two levels: external security is managed by the Gendarmerie, while internal security is handled by personnel under the National Palaces Administration. All areas are monitored by 24/7 surveillance cameras, and mobile phone signals cannot penetrate the building due to lead-lined domes. These security measures ensure the protection of the Spoonmaker’s Diamond and render false the occasional claims circulating on social media that it has been stolen.

Topkapı Palace (Anadolu Agency)

The Topkapı Palace Treasury offers a vast collection showcasing Ottoman jewelry aesthetics and palace culture. Within this collection, the Spoonmaker’s Diamond stands out both in size and in its historical and cultural significance. Museum authorities continuously update protective measures to ensure safe public and scholarly access to the jewel.