Cullinan Diamond

Cullinan Diamond. The Cullinan Diamond is the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered, found at the Premier Mine in the Transvaal Colony in 1905. Weighing an astonishing 3,106.75 carats, it was presented to King Edward VII and subsequently cut in Amsterdam by the renowned Joseph Asscher. The resulting stones, the largest of which are set in the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, remain among the most famous diamonds in the world.

Discovery and acquisition

The monumental gem was discovered on 26 January 1905 by surface manager Frederick Wells during a routine inspection of the Premier Mine. The mine, owned by the Premier Diamond Mining Company, was located near the town of Cullinan, named for the company's chairman, Thomas Cullinan. The Transvaal government, led by Louis Botha, initially suggested presenting the stone to King Edward VII as a symbolic gesture following the recent Second Boer War. After much deliberation, the Transvaal Colony's legislature purchased the rough diamond for £150,000 and formally gifted it to the British monarch in 1907 on his birthday. The stone was sent to the United Kingdom via ordinary postal parcel as a security decoy, while a replica was transported with great fanfare on a Royal Navy ship to deter potential thieves.

Characteristics and cutting

The rough stone measured approximately 10.1 x 6.35 x 5.9 cm and possessed exceptional clarity for its size, being nearly colorless and of the highest gem quality. It was entrusted to the Asscher Diamond Company in Amsterdam, famed for cutting the Excelsior Diamond. Master cutter Joseph Asscher studied the crystal for months before making the first cleavage blow in 1908. Legend states the initial steel blade shattered, though the company's records suggest a successful first attempt. The primary cleavage yielded three major blocks, which were then further subdivided. The intricate cutting and polishing process, which involved a team of craftsmen working for nearly eight months, produced nine principal stones (numbered Cullinan I through IX) and 96 smaller brilliants.

Major stones cut from the Cullinan

The nine major stones are all flawless and are owned by the British Crown. The two largest are the most historically significant. **Cullinan I**, or the **Great Star of Africa**, is a 530.4-carat pear-shaped brilliant, the largest clear-cut diamond in the world. It is set in the head of the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross, part of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom housed in the Tower of London. **Cullinan II**, the **Second Star of Africa**, is a 317.4-carat cushion-cut brilliant set prominently in the front rim of the Imperial State Crown. **Cullinan III** (94.4 carats, pear) and **Cullinan IV** (63.6 carats, cushion) are often worn together as a brooch by British monarchs. The remaining major stones, **Cullinan V** through **IX**, are also incorporated into various pieces of royal jewelry, including a pendant brooch and a ring.

Ownership and display

All nine major stones form part of the British Crown Jewels, held in trust by Elizabeth II for her successors and the state. They are on permanent public display in the Jewel House at the Tower of London, guarded by the Yeomen Warders. The smaller brilliants and fragments from the original cutting were retained by the Asscher Diamond Company as their fee and were later sold. Some of these smaller stones were acquired by the South African government and presented to Queen Mary in 1910. Various other Cullinan brillants have entered the private jewelry market over the decades, occasionally appearing at auctions by firms like Sotheby's and Christie's.

Cultural impact and legacy

The Cullinan Diamond cemented the reputation of the Premier Mine (now the Cullinan Diamond Mine) as a source of extraordinary gems, including the later Centenary Diamond. Its gifting played a role in post-war diplomacy between Britain and South Africa. The stones are central icons of the British monarchy, featured in royal portraits, state ceremonies like the State Opening of Parliament, and during coronations, such as that of Elizabeth II in 1953. The diamond's story has been featured in numerous documentaries and literature, symbolizing both the pinnacle of the gemological arts and the complex colonial history of southern Africa. The Cullinan Diamond Mine remains operational and is a noted tourist destination.

Category:Diamonds Category:British Crown Jewels Category:Gemstones Category:1905 discoveries