Cullinan Diamond

The Cullinan diamond is the largest diamond ever found. It was discovered in 1905 in South Africa and weighed unprocessed 3106.75 carats ( 621.35 g).

Discovery

The diamond was discovered in the Premier Mine in Pretoria, during a routine inspection by the production manager of the mine, Frederick Wells on January 26, 1905. It received its name after the mine owner Thomas Cullinan.

After the British colony of Transvaal internal self-government was granted to the end of 1906, beating Premier Louis Botha Parliament of the colony in August of 1907 prior to purchase the rough diamonds to make it to the British King Edward VII as an expression of gratitude and appreciation for the gift. This proposal was accepted and the king handed over the diamond then the occasion of his 66th Birthday on November 9, 1907 on his country estate Sandringham.

Cleavage

In Amsterdam, the rough diamond from the sanding Joseph Asscher in 1908 split into 105 pieces, of which nine large and 96 small parts. The nine large diamonds are now part of the British crown jewels and are located in the Tower of London.

Cullinan I

The largest stone weighs 530.2 carats ( 106.04 g) and is under the name of The Great Star of Africa ( Great Star of Africa ) become known. He was pear-shaped / drop shaped ground and incorporated into the royal scepter of King Edward VII. It measures 53 x 44 x 29 mm and has 76 facets ( including culet and table ). A special feature of the diamond can be taken out of the scepter and worn as a pin or pendant. Queen Alexandra wore it along with Cullinan II for the first time the opening of parliament in 1909 as a brooch.

Cullinan II

Cullinan II ( also Smaller Star of Africa ) ( Lesser Star of Africa ) is a pillow-shaped cut diamond, weighing 317.4 carats ( 63.48 g). He was placed centrally in the front plate of the British Royal Crown (Imperial State Crown ).

Cullinan III

Cullinan III weighs 94.4 carats ( 18.88 g) and was pear-shaped / polished teardrop shape. He came along with Cullinan IV 1911 in the Crown of Queen Mary. Cullinan III and IV can be worn together as a pendant / brooch.

Cullinan IV

Cullinan IV weighs 63.6 carats ( 12.72 g) was ground and square. He is now in the band of the crown of Queen Mary.

Miscellaneous

  • Cullinan V: 18.5 carats ( 3.7 g); today in a brooch
  • Cullinan VI: 11.5 carats ( 2.3 g)
  • Cullinan VII: 8.8 carat (1.76 g); today in a brooch
  • Cullinan VIII: 6.8 carat ( 1:36 g); today in a brooch
  • Cullinan IX: 4.39 carats ( 0.878 g); today in a ring

See also: Gem, Jewelry

Trivia

The transport of the stone represented a big problem, because you had strong fears that he would steal. On the ship, the rumored transported the stone, a large number of security forces was present incognito. Nevertheless, only one copy was transported, the original stone was sent simply by mail to England.

Carat (mass) Mining Transvaal Province Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom Mary of Teck
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