A paragon is a perfect diamond — flawless and without inclusions. In the 16th century, a weight of 12 carats (2.4 g) was sufficient for this title but now, more than 99 carats (20 g) are needed.
One of the largest flawless diamonds in the world is known as The Paragon — a D-class gem weighing 137.82 carats (27.56 g), which is the 10th largest white diamond in the world. The gem is owned by Virgilio Elcullada Luib Jr. and was called "The Rainbow Star", it is reportedly Type IIa Super D-flawless asscher cut. The gem was mined in Brazil and attracted attention for being an exceptional white, flawless stone of great size. Mayfair jewellers, Graff Diamonds, bought it in Antwerp, cut it into an unusual 7-sided kite shield configuration and set it in a necklace which separates to both necklace and bracelet lengths. Apart from the main stone, this necklace also contains rare pink, blue and yellow diamonds making a total weight of 190.27 carats (38.05 g). The necklace has associations with the end of the millennium and was worn by supermodel Naomi Campbell at a prestigious diamond gala held by De Beers and Versace at Sion House in 1999.
Famous quotes containing the word paragon:
“We can paint unrealistic pictures of the juggler—displaying her now as a problem-free paragon of glamour and now as a modern hag. Or we can see in the juggler a real person who strives to overcome the obstacles that nature and society put in her path and who does so with vigor and determination.”
—Faye J. Crosby (20th century)