The Cullinan Diamond Mystery: The Largest Gem-Quality Diamond Ever Found

If you’re a diamond fan, you’ve probably heard of the Cullinan diamond, the largest gem-quality diamond ever found in the world. But do you know the story behind this amazing stone and how it became part of the British crown jewels? In this blog, we will explore the history, value and mystery of the Cullinan diamond.

Discovering the diamond

The Cullinan diamond was discovered on January 26, 1905 at the Premier Mine at Cullinan, South Africa, by Frederick Wells, the mine’s surface manager. The diamond was so large and clear that Wells initially thought it was a piece of glass. He was amazed when he realized that it was a genuine diamond, weighing 621.2 g and measuring 10.1 x 6.35 x 5.9 cm.

The diamond was named after Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the mine, who opened it in 1902. The diamond was put on public display in Johannesburg, where it attracted thousands of visitors. It was then sent to London, where it was put up for sale, but for two years no buyer was found.

A gift fit for a king.

In 1907, the government of the Transvaal colony, which controlled the mine, decided to purchase the diamond and present it to King Edward VII, the British monarch who ruled the territory. The diamond was transported to England in a simple box, while a decoy was sent on a steamship guarded by detectives. The diamond arrived safely and was handed over to the king.

The king entrusted the diamond to famous Amsterdam-based diamond cutter Joseph Asscher, who was tasked with cutting and polishing the diamond into smaller gems. Asscher studied the diamond for months before making the first cut, which broke the blade from it. On his second attempt, he succeeded and the diamond was finally cut into 9 large stones, 96 smaller stones and 9.5 carats of unpolished fragments. The total weight of the cut diamonds was 211.178 g, approximately 67% of the original weight.

The crown jewels

The largest of the cut diamonds, Cullinan I or Great Star of Africa, weighed 106.08 g and was mounted on the head of the Sovereign’s Scepter with Cross, one of the most important symbols of the British monarchy. The second largest, Cullinan II or Second Star of Africa, weighed 63.48g and was mounted on the front of the Imperial State Crown, another key piece of the crown jewels. Both diamonds form part of the insignia used at the coronation ceremony and are displayed at the Tower of London.

The other 7 large diamonds, Cullinan III to IX, were kept by the king as personal property. He gave Cullinan III and IV, also known as the Lesser Stars of Africa, to his wife, Queen Alexandra, who wore them as a brooch. He also gifted Cullinan V to his daughter-in-law, Queen Mary, who wore it as a brooch and pendant. The remaining 4 diamonds, Cullinan VI to IX, were set in various pieces of jewelry, including a ring, a necklace, and a bracelet.

The value and mystery of the Cullinan diamond

The Cullinan diamond is undoubtedly one of the most valuable and famous diamonds in the world. In fact, it is estimated that the diamond, in its rough form, would be worth about R6 billion today.

The Cullinan diamond also has a mystery surrounding it, as some people believe that it was not the largest diamond ever found, but rather a fragment of a much larger stone that was broken by natural forces. Some evidence for this theory is that the Cullinan diamond had four smooth faces, indicating that it had been split along its crystal planes. Some speculate that the original diamond could have weighed up to 2kg and could have produced more gems of exceptional size and quality. However, there is no evidence for this theory and the whereabouts of the other fragments, if they exist, are unknown.

The Cullinan diamond is an extraordinary gem that has a fascinating history and captivating mystery. It is a symbol of the beauty and power of nature, as well as the skill and art of human beings. It is a treasure that belongs to the British monarchy, but also to the world, as it is admired and celebrated by millions of people. If you would like to see the Cullinan diamond for yourself, you can visit the Tower of London where the crown jewels are displayed, or you can check out the Royal Collection Trust website where you can find more information and images of the Cullinan diamond. diamond and its cut stones.

And, if you’re looking to insure your own diamonds and jewellery, don’t forget to visit the King Price website or WhatsApp 0860 50 50 50 for a quick, no-obligation insurance quote. Whether you have a diamond ring, pearl necklace, or gold watch, you can trust King Price to protect your valuables and give you peace of mind.

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The Cullinan Diamond Mystery: The Largest Gem-Quality Diamond Ever Found

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Learn about the Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality diamond ever found, and how it became part of the British Crown Jewels. Discover the history, value and mystery of this amazing stone.

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The king

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