What makes the Cullinan Blue a “largest internally flawless” stone?

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The Cullinan Blue Diamond's Unique Grading Qualities

The Cullinan Blue diamond is distinguished as the largest internally flawless, step-cut, vivid blue diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This classification signifies exceptional rarity and quality within the diamond market. The stone, weighing 15.10 carats, is expected to achieve a sale price exceeding US$48 million at auction.
Gemological Grading Standards

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) employs a rigorous set of standards to assess diamond quality. For clarity, "internally flawless" signifies that under 10x magnification, no inclusions are visible within the diamond's interior. This is the highest clarity grade attainable, indicating a virtually perfect internal structure.
Step Cut and Vivid Blue Characteristics

The "step cut" refers to a specific style of diamond facet arrangement, characterized by long, narrow, rectangular facets that resemble steps. This cut is commonly used for colored diamonds, as it can enhance their inherent hue and brilliance. Furthermore, "vivid blue" denotes the most intense and saturated color grade for blue diamonds, a characteristic highly prized by collectors and investors.
Historical Context and Rarity

The Cullinan Blue diamond originates from a rough stone unearthed at the Cullinan mine in South Africa in April 2021. Its exceptional size and quality make it a standout in the history of gem auctions. It surpasses the Oppenheimer Blue, a 14.62-carat stone, which previously held the record for the highest price achieved by a blue diamond at auction.

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What makes the Cullinan Blue a “largest internally flawless” stone?

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