Origin of name
Safia in Arabic means pure, and this was the name given
to the 90.27-carat colorless and flawless diamond when it was purchased by
the unnamed middle-eastern buyer in the year 2000. The name seemed to be
quite appropriate to describe the exceptional characteristics of this
top-color diamond. The previous owner of the diamond Laurence Graff had
named it the "Icon", and truly the unique characteristics of the Safia more
than justifies its reference as an icon of purity among diamonds.
Characteristics of the
diamond
The Safia is a D-color, internally flawless (IF), round
brilliant-cut diamond, weighing 90.97 carats.
The diamond being D-color, is undoubtedly a Type IIa
diamond, which constitute only about 1-2 % of all naturally occurring
diamonds. It is Type II, because of the total absence of nitrogen impurities
or presence of nitrogen impurities in undetectable quantities. Diamonds that
contain detectable quantities of nitrogen impurities are known as Type I
diamonds. Nitrogen imparts a yellow color to diamonds.
The diamond is Type IIa, because of the total absence of
impurities besides nitrogen, such as boron and hydrogen. These
diamonds are said to be chemically pure. Type IIa diamonds can be
structurally perfect, structurally imperfect, or naturally irradiated.
Most of the Type IIa diamonds are structurally perfect.
These diamonds are absolutely colorless as factors that cause color in
diamonds, such as impurities and structural abnormalities are totally
lacking. They are said to be the "purest of the pure" of all diamonds. The
Safia diamond also belongs to this category of Type IIa diamonds.
Structurally imperfect Type IIa diamonds, have plastic
distortions in their crystal that impart rare fancy colors to the diamonds
such as red, pink, purple, and also different shades of brown color. Their
occurrence however is less than 0.1 % of natural diamonds.
Naturally irradiated Type IIa diamonds are green in
color, also caused by structural alterations to the crystal. They also
constitute less than 0.1 % of natural diamonds.
Type IIb diamonds contain boron as impurities instead of
nitrogen, which imparts a blue color to the diamonds, and make them
semi-conducting. Their occurrence is only 0.1 % of all natural diamonds.
History
The early history of the diamond such as the country of
origin, mine of origin, date of discovery, original owners of the diamond
etc are not known. But, the diamond appears to have been processed by
Safdico (South African Diamond Company) a subsidiary of the London-based
Graff diamonds, in their diamond processing facility in Johannesburg.
In September 2000 Graff opened a new outlet at the Hotel
de Paris in Monte Carlo, the Casino Capital of the world, reputed to be the
playground of the world's rich. To celebrate the occasion a grand party was
organized for celebrities and other VIPs, at Monte Carlos Terrasses du
Soleil Casino. The party also included special laser beam and light shows.
Besides, guests were also entertained with flower displays and water
fountains. Other highlights included procession of fire throwers, costume
performers on stilts, and a live cheetah.
This grand and spectacular occasion served a dual
purpose. While celebrating the opening of the new Graff outlet in Monte
Carlo, Graff also made use of the occasion to unveil the 90.97-carat,
D-color, flawless, round brilliant diamond to the world. The diamond was
carried on a velvet cushion by a small Indian boy, who was carried into the
room amidst billowing smoke by two African pole bearers. The stone was
placed on an elaborate show case for the enjoyment of the guests.
One of the invited guests to the party, probably a VIP of
middle-eastern origin, was so impressed by the diamond, that he decided to
purchase it immediately without any hesitation, for his own collection. The
identity of the purchaser and the price of purchase had not been revealed.
He named the diamond "The Safia" which in Arabic means pure.
