If you’re a fan of diamonds, 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’ll explore the history, value, and mystery of the Cullinan diamond.
Discovering the diamond
The Cullinan diamond was discovered on 26 January 1905 at the Premier Mine in Cullinan, South Africa, by Frederick Wells, the surface manager of the mine. The diamond was so large and clear that Wells initially thought it was a piece of glass. He was astonished when he realised that it was a genuine diamond, weighing 621.2g and measuring 10.1 x 6.35 x 5.9 cms.
The diamond was named after Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the mine, who had 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 offered for sale, but no buyer was found for 2 years.
A gift fit for a king
In 1907, the Transvaal Colony government, which controlled the mine, decided to buy the diamond and present it as a gift to King Edward VII, the British monarch who ruled over the territory. The diamond was transported to England in a plain box, while a decoy was sent on a steamboat with detectives guarding it. The diamond arrived safely and was handed over to the king.
The king entrusted the diamond to the famous Amsterdam-based diamond cutter Joseph Asscher, who had the task of cutting and polishing the diamond into smaller gems. Asscher studied the diamond for months before making the first cut, which broke his blade. On his second attempt, he succeeded, and the diamond was eventually cut into 9 large stones, 96 smaller stones, and 9.5 carats of unpolished fragments. The total weight of the cut diamonds was 211.178g, which was about 67% of the original weight.
The crown jewels
The largest of the cut diamonds, Cullinan I or the Great Star of Africa, weighed 106.08g and was mounted on the head of the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, 1 of the most important symbols of the British monarchy. The second largest, Cullinan II or the 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 are part of the regalia that are used in 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 his 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 gave 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 jewellery, such as a ring, necklace, and bracelet.
The value and mystery of the Cullinan diamond
The Cullinan diamond is undoubtedly 1 of the most valuable and famous diamonds in the world. In fact, it’s 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 up by natural forces. Some evidence for this theory is that the Cullinan diamond had 4 smooth faces, indicating that it had been cleaved along its crystal planes. Some speculate that the original diamond could’ve weighed up to 2kg and could’ve produced more gems of exceptional size and quality. However, there’s no proof of this theory, and the whereabouts of the other fragments, if they exist, are unknown.
The Cullinan diamond is a remarkable gem that has a fascinating history and a captivating mystery. It’s a symbol of the beauty and power of nature, as well as the skill and artistry of human beings. It’s a treasure that belongs to the British monarchy, but also to the world, as it’s admired and celebrated by millions of people. If you want 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 website of the Royal Collection Trust, where you can find more information and images of the Cullinan diamond and its cut stones.
And, if you’re looking to insure your own diamonds and jewellery, don’t forget to visit King Price’s website or WhatsApp 0860 50 50 50 for a quick, commitment-free insurance quote. Whether you own 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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