Cullinan Diamond - The World's Largest Natural Diamond
Key Takeaways
- The Cullinan Diamond is the largest rough diamond ever found in the world, weighing up to 3,106.75 carats. Discovered in 1905 in South Africa, this stone was later cut into 105 smaller...
The Cullinan Diamond is the largest rough diamond ever found in the world, weighing up to 3,106.75 carats. Discovered in 1905 in South Africa, this stone was later cut into 105 smaller gemstones, the largest of which are now set in the Royal Sceptre and Crown of the British Monarchy.
In the article below, Jemmia will take you on a journey to explore the thrilling history of this treasure, from its discovery to its breathtaking craftsmanship.
The Cullinan Diamond - How it was discovered
The Cullinan Diamond was found accidentally on January 26, 1905, by Frederick Wells, the manager of the Premier Mine in South Africa. While on patrol at a depth of 5.4 meters below the surface, he stumbled upon a large, fist-sized glowing object embedded in the mine wall. Initially, Wells almost overlooked it, thinking it was a large piece of glass, but its unusual transparency compelled him to investigate, leading to the discovery of this priceless treasure. The stone was later named after the mine's chairman, Sir Thomas Cullinan.
Here are some specifications of the Cullinan Diamond. You should familiarize yourself with them before we share some interesting stories about it:
- Rough Weight: 3,106.75 carats (approximately 621.35 grams).
- Origin: Premier Mine No.2, Cullinan, South Africa.
- Cut by: Asscher Diamond Company (Amsterdam).
- Finished Stones: 9 large stones (Cullinan I to IX) and 96 smaller stones.
- Largest Stone: Cullinan I (530.2 carats), also known as the "Star of Africa."
- Current Owner: Elizabeth II – set in her crown.
See more: Which Diamond Color Grade is the Best and Most Beautiful to Buy?
Cullinan I – on King Edward’s Sceptre
A "Breathtaking" Cutting Process and a Cut That Made the Artisan Faint
The cutting of the Cullinan Diamond was entrusted to Joseph Asscher, the world's foremost diamond cutter of that era. With the technology of the early 20th century, even the slightest miscalculation could shatter the enormous diamond into worthless fragments.
After months of studying its crystalline structure, Joseph Asscher made the first cut in 1908. Legend has it that the immense pressure from this historic cut caused him to faint on the spot due to extreme stress. After recovering, he worked tirelessly for 38 days to divide the rough stone into 9 large and nearly 100 smaller stones, achieving perfect clarity and brilliance.
The cutting of the Cullinan Diamond was entrusted to Joseph Asscher
The Cullinan Diamond and its Ownership by the British Royal Family
Today, the most precious parts of the Cullinan belong to the British Royal Family and are displayed at the Tower of London. The Transvaal government (South Africa) purchased the stone and presented it to King Edward VII as a symbol of loyalty.
- Cullinan I (Great Star of Africa): Weighing 530.2 carats, it is the world's largest colorless cut diamond, set in the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross.
- Cullinan II (Lesser Star of Africa): Weighing 317.4 carats, it is set in the center of the Imperial State Crown.
- Cullinan III to IX: These were fashioned into brooches, rings, and earrings, often worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II on significant occasions.
Top row: Cullinans II, I, and III; bottom row: Cullinans VIII, VI, IV, V, VII, and IX
See more: What is the Chemical Formula of Diamond? Detailed Explanation
Interesting Facts About the World's Largest Natural Diamond
In the early 20th century, the Cullinan Diamond was considered the largest cut diamond in the world. Although discovered in Africa, the diamond was later gifted to Britain. Transporting such a valuable item over such a long distance was extremely difficult.
Legend has it that at the time, the Transvaal colonial authorities employed a diversionary tactic, a "golden cicada shedding its shell." They made a grand show of transporting a fake diamond on a ship, accompanied by armed guards. Meanwhile, the real diamond was packed and sent to the British royal palace via ordinary postal service as regular cargo.
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Jemmia Diamond – A Reputable Diamond Retailer
Jemmia Diamond is a diamond expert authorized by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to import and distribute diamonds through official channels. We are committed to providing absolute peace of mind to our customers through a rigorous inspection process and transparent legal policies.
- 100% Legally Sourced GIA Diamonds: Our products are 100% legally imported, with complete customs documentation and international GIA grading reports, ensuring lasting asset value.
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- Pioneering Verification Technology: Our advanced GIA equipment (iD100, Match iD) accurately verifies natural origin and absolute quality.
- Optimal Investment Value: Transparent pricing and the best market buy-back and exchange policies help customers confidently manage their assets.
- Ethical Business Practices: We are committed to distributing only "clean" diamonds under the Kimberley Process, free from conflict ties and environmentally friendly.
Jemmia Diamond – A Reputable Diamond Retailer
