Historical diamonds are a rarity by any definition. This superb 76.02 carat gem derives its name from the first known owner, Joseph August Victor Clemence Maria, Archduke of Austria and Palatinate of Hungary, great-grandson of Emperor Leopold II of the House of Hapsberg, one of the primary ruling dynasties of Europe. Graded as D color, with internally flawless clarity.

The Archduke Joseph Diamond is the twelfth largest perfect white diamond in the world and has that limpid transparency and soft luminescent quality that is described as "Golconda", by experienced diamond dealers.

This almost undefinable water-clear appearance is characteristic of stones from the Golconda mine. The mines of this area are believed to have been the source of many of the world's most famous diamonds such as the Koh-i-Noor and the Regent. Unfortunately, these mines were depleted in the mid-eighteenth century. No other sources have been found since that produce diamonds exhibiting this limpid transparency.