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Cullinan Diamond
Cullinan Diamond
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Cullinan Diamond
The rough diamond
Weight3,106 carats (621.2 g)
ColourNear colourless[1]
Cut105 stones of assorted cuts
Country of originSouth Africa
Mine of originPremier Mine
Discovered26 January 1905
Cut byJoseph Asscher & Co.
Original ownerPremier Diamond Mining Company
OwnerCharles III in right of The Crown

The Cullinan Diamond is the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found,[2] weighing 3,106 carats (621.20 g), discovered at the Premier No.2 mine in Cullinan, South Africa, on 26 January 1905. It was named after Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the mine. In April 1905, it was put on sale in London, but despite considerable interest, it was still unsold after two years. In 1907, the Transvaal Colony government bought the Cullinan and Prime Minister Louis Botha presented it to Edward VII. It was then cut by Joseph Asscher & Co. in Amsterdam.

Cullinan produced stones of various cuts and sizes, the largest of which is named Cullinan I, and named the Great Star of Africa by Edward VII, and at 530.4 carats (106.08 g) it is the largest cut clear-diamond in the world. The stone is mounted in the head of the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross. The second largest cut clear-diamond is Cullinan II or the Second Star of Africa, weighing 317.4 carats (63.48 g), mounted in the Imperial State Crown. Both are part of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. Seven other major diamonds, weighing a total of 208.29 carats (41.66 g), were privately owned by Elizabeth II, who inherited them from her grandmother, Queen Mary, in 1953. The Queen also owned minor brilliants and a set of unpolished fragments.

Discovery and early history

[edit]
Frederick Wells, mine manager, with the diamond

The Cullinan is estimated to have formed in Earth's mantle transition zone at a depth of 410–660 km (250–410 mi) and reached the surface 1.18 billion years ago.[3] It was found 5.5 metres (18 ft) below the surface at Premier Mine in Cullinan, Transvaal Colony, by Frederick Wells, surface manager at the mine, on 26 January 1905. It was approximately 10.1 centimetres (4.0 in) long, 6.35 centimetres (2.50 in) wide, 5.9 centimetres (2.3 in) deep, and weighed 3,106 carats (621.2 grams).[4] Newspapers called it the "Cullinan Diamond", a reference to Sir Thomas Cullinan, who opened the mine in 1902.[5] It was three times the size of the Excelsior Diamond, found in 1893 at Jagersfontein Mine, weighing 972 carats (194.4 g). Four of its eight surfaces were smooth, indicating that it once had been part of a much larger stone broken up by natural forces. It had a blue-white hue and contained a small pocket of air, which at certain angles produced a rainbow, or Newton's rings.[6]

Shortly after its discovery, Cullinan went on public display at the Standard Bank in Johannesburg, where it was seen by an estimated 8,000–9,000 visitors. In April 1905, the rough gem was deposited with Premier Mining Co.'s London sales agent, S. Neumann & Co.[7] Due to its immense value, detectives were assigned to the RMS Kenilworth Castle that was rumoured to be carrying the stone, and a parcel was ceremoniously locked in the captain's safe and guarded on the entire journey. It was a diversionary tactic – the stone on that ship was fake, meant to attract those who would be interested in stealing it. Cullinan was sent to the United Kingdom in a plain box via registered post.[8] On arriving in London, it was conveyed to Buckingham Palace for inspection by King Edward VII. Although it drew considerable interest from potential buyers, Cullinan went unsold for two years.[4]

Presentation to Edward VII

[edit]

Transvaal Prime Minister Louis Botha suggested buying the diamond for Edward VII as "a token of the loyalty and attachment of the people of the Transvaal to His Majesty's throne and person".[9] In August 1907, a vote was held in the Legislative Council[10] on the Cullinan's fate, and a motion authorising the purchase was carried by 42 votes in favour to 19 against. Initially, Henry Campbell-Bannerman, then British Prime Minister, advised the king to decline the offer, but he later decided to let Edward VII choose whether or not to accept the gift.[11] Eventually, he was persuaded by Winston Churchill, then Colonial Under-Secretary. For his trouble, Churchill was sent a replica, which he enjoyed showing off to guests on a silver plate.[12] The Transvaal Colony government bought the diamond on 17 October 1907 for £150,000,[13] which adjusted for pound-sterling inflation is equivalent to £19 million in 2023.[14] Due to a 60% tax on mining profits, the Treasury received some of its money back from the Premier Diamond Mining Company.[15]

The diamond was presented to the king at Sandringham House by Agent-General of the colony, Sir Richard Solomon, on 9 November 1907 – his 66th birthday – in the presence of a large party of guests, including the Queen of Sweden, the Queen of Spain, the Duke of Westminster and Lord Revelstoke.[16] The king asked his colonial secretary, Lord Elgin, to announce that he accepted the gift "for myself and my successors" and that he would ensure "this great and unique diamond be kept and preserved among the historic jewels which form the heirlooms of the Crown".[12]

Cutting process

[edit]
Joseph Asscher making the split

The king chose Joseph Asscher & Co. of Amsterdam to cleave and polish the rough stone into brilliant gems of various cuts and sizes. Abraham Asscher collected it from the Colonial Office in London on 23 January 1908.[17] He returned to the Netherlands by train and ferry with the diamond in his coat pocket.[13] Meanwhile, to much fanfare, a Royal Navy ship carried an empty box across the North Sea, again throwing off potential thieves. Even the captain was unaware that his "precious" cargo was a decoy.[18]

On 10 February 1908, the rough stone was split in half by Joseph Asscher at his diamond-cutting factory in Amsterdam.[19] At the time, technology had not yet evolved to guarantee the quality of modern standards, and cutting the diamond was difficult and risky. After weeks of planning, an incision 0.5 inches (13 mm) deep was made to enable Asscher to cleave the diamond in one blow. Making the incision alone took four days, and a steel knife broke on the first attempt,[4] but a second knife was fitted into the groove and split the stone cleanly in two along one of four possible cleavage planes.[20] In all, splitting and cutting the diamond took eight months, with three people working 14 hours per day to complete the task.[4]

"The tale is told of Joseph Asscher, the greatest cleaver of the day," wrote Matthew Hart in his book Diamond: A Journey to the Heart of an Obsession (2002), "that when he prepared to cleave the largest diamond ever known … he had a doctor and nurse standing by and when he finally struck the diamond … he fainted dead away".[21] Ian Balfour, in his book Famous Diamonds (2009), dispels the fainting story, suggesting it was more likely Joseph would have celebrated, opening a bottle of champagne.[17] When Joseph's nephew Louis heard the story, he exclaimed "No Asscher would ever faint over any operation on any diamond".[22]

Nine largest stones split from the rough Cullinan diamond

Diamonds cut from the Cullinan

[edit]

Cullinan produced 9 major stones of 1,055.89 carats (211.178 g) in total,[23] plus 96 minor brilliants and some unpolished fragments weighing 19.5 carats (3.90 g).[24] All but the two largest stones – Cullinans I and II – remained in Amsterdam by arrangement as the fee for Asscher's services,[24] until the South African government bought them (except Cullinan VI, which Edward VII had purchased and given to his wife Queen Alexandra in 1907), and the High Commissioner for Southern Africa presented them to Queen Mary on 28 June 1910.[12] Mary also inherited Cullinan VI from Alexandra, and she left all her Cullinan diamonds to her granddaughter Elizabeth II in 1953.[25] Cullinans I and II are part of the Crown Jewels,[2] which belong to the monarch in right of the Crown.[26]

Asscher sold the minor stones to the South African government, which distributed them to Queen Mary; Louis Botha, the then prime minister of South Africa; the diamond merchants Arthur and Alexander Levy, who supervised the cutting of Cullinan;[27] and Jacob Romijn (later Romyn), who co-founded the first trade union in the diamond industry.[28] Some were set by Mary into a long platinum chain, which Elizabeth never wore in public, saying that "it gets in the soup".[29] In the 1960s, two minor Cullinan diamonds owned by Louis Botha's heirs were analysed at the De Beers laboratory in Johannesburg and found to be completely free of nitrogen or any other impurities.[30] Cullinans I and II were examined in the 1980s by gemologists at the Tower of London and both graded as colourless type IIa.[31]

Cullinan I

[edit]
The nine major stones. Top: Cullinans II, I, and III. Bottom: Cullinans VIII, VI, IV, V, VII and IX.

Cullinan I, or the Great Star of Africa, is a pendeloque cut brilliant weighing 530.2 carats (106.04 g) and has 74 facets.[32] It is set at the top of the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross, made in 1661, which had to be redesigned in 1910 to accommodate it. Cullinan I was surpassed as the world's largest cut diamond by the 545.67-carat (109.134 g) brown Golden Jubilee Diamond in 1992[33] which was surpassed in 2025 by the 612.24-carat Black falcon. The Cullinan I remains however the largest colourless cut diamond in the world.[34] In terms of clarity, it has a few tiny cleavages and a small patch of graining. The 5.89 cm × 4.54 cm × 2.77 cm (2.32 in × 1.79 in × 1.09 in) diamond is fitted with loops and can be taken out of its setting to be worn as a pendant suspended from Cullinan II to make a brooch.[35] Queen Mary, wife of George V, often wore it like this.[36] In 1908, the stone was valued at US$2.5 million (equivalent to US$61 million in 2024)[37] – two and a half times the rough Cullinan's estimated value.[38]

Cullinan II

[edit]

Cullinan II, or the Second Star of Africa, is a cushion-cut brilliant with 66 facets weighing 317.4 carats (63.48 g) set in the front of the Imperial State Crown,[32] below the Black Prince's Ruby (a large red spinel).[39] It measures 4.54 cm × 4.08 cm × 2.42 cm (1.79 in × 1.61 in × 0.95 in). The diamond has a number of tiny flaws, scratches on the table facet, and a small chip at the girdle. Like Cullinan I, it is held in place by a yellow gold enclosure, which is screwed onto the crown.[35]

Cullinan III

[edit]

Cullinan III, or the Lesser Star of Africa, is pear-cut and weighs 94.4 carats (18.88 g).[32] In 1911 Queen Mary, wife and queen consort of George V, had it set in the top cross pattée of a crown that she personally bought for her coronation.[40] In 1912 the Delhi Durbar Tiara, worn the previous year by Mary instead of a crown at the Delhi Durbar, where her husband wore the Imperial Crown of India, was also adapted to take Cullinans III and IV.[41] Elizabeth II frequently wore Cullinan III in combination with Cullinan IV as a brooch. In total, the brooch is 6.5 cm (2.6 in) long and 2.4 cm (0.94 in) wide.[42] Cullinan III has also been used as a pendant on the Coronation Necklace, where it occasionally replaced the 22.4-carat (4.48 g) Lahore Diamond.[43][44]

Cullinan IV

[edit]
Queen Mary wearing Cullinans I and II as a brooch, III as a pendant on the Coronation Necklace, and IV in the base of her crown, below the Koh-i-Noor

Cullinan IV, also referred to as a Lesser Star of Africa, is square-cut and weighs 63.6 carats (12.72 g).[32] In 1911 it was first set in the base of Queen Mary's Crown. In 1914 both III and IV were replaced with crystal replicas, until 2023, when the diamonds were re-set in the crown for use by Queen Camilla. On 25 March 1958, while she and Prince Philip were on a state visit to the Netherlands, Queen Elizabeth II revealed that Cullinan III and IV are known in her family as "Granny's Chips". They visited the Asscher Diamond Company, where Cullinan had been cut 50 years earlier. It was the first time the Queen had worn the brooch publicly. During her visit, she unpinned the brooch and offered it for examination to Louis Asscher, nephew of Joseph Asscher, who split the rough diamond. Aged 84, he was deeply moved that the Queen had brought the diamonds with her, knowing how much it would mean to him seeing them again after so many years.[45]

Cullinan V

[edit]

Cullinan V is an 18.8-carat (3.76 g) heart-shaped diamond set in the centre of a platinum brooch that formed a part of the stomacher made for Queen Mary to wear at the Delhi Durbar in 1911. The brooch was designed to show off Cullinan V and is pavé-set with a border of smaller diamonds. It can be suspended from the VIII brooch and can be used to suspend the VII pendant. It was often worn like this by Mary.[43] In May 2023, the brooch was placed on the front of cross Queen Mary's Crown for the Coronation of Queen Camilla instead of the traditional and controversial Koh-i-Noor.[46]

Cullinan VI

[edit]

Cullinan VI is marquise-cut and weighs 11.5 carats (2.30 g).[32] It hangs from the brooch containing Cullinan VIII and forming part of the stomacher of the Delhi Durbar parure. Cullinan VI along with VIII can also be fitted together to make yet another brooch, surrounded by some 96 smaller diamonds. The design was created around the same time that the Cullinan V heart-shaped brooch was designed, both having a similar shape.[47]

Cullinan VII

[edit]

Cullinan VII is also marquise-cut and weighs 8.8 carats (1.76 g).[32] It was originally given by Edward VII to his wife and consort Queen Alexandra. After his death she gave the jewel to Queen Mary, who had it set as a pendant hanging from the diamond-and-emerald Delhi Durbar necklace, part of the parure.[48]

Cullinan VIII

[edit]

Cullinan VIII is an oblong-cut diamond weighing 6.8 carats (1.36 g).[32] It is set in the centre of a brooch forming part of the stomacher of the Delhi Durbar parure. Together with Cullinan VI it forms a brooch.[47]

Cullinan IX

[edit]

Cullinan IX is smallest of the principal diamonds to be obtained from the rough Cullinan. It is a pendeloque or stepped pear-cut stone, weighs 4.39 carats (0.878 g), and is set in a platinum ring known as the Cullinan IX Ring.[49]

See also

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ Bariand and Duchamp, p. 101.
  2. ^ a b Scarratt and Shor, p. 120.
  3. ^ Smith, et al., pp. 1403–1405
  4. ^ a b c d "Jewellery made from the world's largest diamond is to go on display" (PDF). Royal Collection Trust. 15 May 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 December 2017. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  5. ^ Scarratt and Shor, p. 122.
  6. ^ Hatch, pp. 170–172.
  7. ^ Scarratt and Shor, p. 123.
  8. ^ Dickinson, pp. 110–111.
  9. ^ Lee, pp. 489–490.
  10. ^ The Cullinan Diamond Centennial, Gems and Gemology, 2006
  11. ^ Helme, p. 86.
  12. ^ a b c Field, p. 72.
  13. ^ a b Bariand and Duchamp, p. 97.
  14. ^ United Kingdom Gross Domestic Product deflator figures follow the MeasuringWorth "consistent series" supplied in Thomas, Ryland; Williamson, Samuel H. (2024). "What Was the U.K. GDP Then?". MeasuringWorth. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  15. ^ Cartwright, p. 73.
  16. ^ "SECOND EDITION. The King's Birthday. Presentation of the Cullinan Diamond". The Sydney Morning Herald. New South Wales, Australia. 11 November 1907. p. 5. Archived from the original on 2 October 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2020 – via Trove.
  17. ^ a b Balfour, p. 71.
  18. ^ Seff and Seff, p. 252.
  19. ^ Helme, p. 88.
  20. ^ Crookes, pp. 77–79.
  21. ^ Hart, p. 204.
  22. ^ Koskoff, p. 174.
  23. ^ Spencer, pp. 318–326.
  24. ^ a b Balfour, p. 73.
  25. ^ Dickinson, p. 114.
  26. ^ "Crown Jewels". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). Vol. 211. United Kingdom: House of Commons. 16 July 1992. col. 944W.
  27. ^ Scarratt and Shor, p. 125.
  28. ^ Balfour, pp. 73–75.
  29. ^ "Life". Time. Vol. 10. July 1987. p. 48.
  30. ^ Helme, p. 90.
  31. ^ Scarrat and Shor, pp. 126, 131.
  32. ^ a b c d e f g Manutchehr-Danai, p. 118.
  33. ^ "The Largest Cut Diamond in the World". Gem & Jewellery News. 2 (1): 1. December 1992. ISSN 0964-6736.
  34. ^ "The Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross". Royal Collection Trust. Inventory no. 31712.
  35. ^ a b Scarratt and Shor, p. 128.
  36. ^ Mears, et al., p. 30.
  37. ^ Johnston, Louis; Williamson, Samuel H. (2023). "What Was the U.S. GDP Then?". MeasuringWorth. Retrieved 30 November 2023. United States Gross Domestic Product deflator figures follow the MeasuringWorth series.
  38. ^ Morgan, p. 262.
  39. ^ "The Imperial State Crown". Royal Collection Trust. Inventory no. 31701.
  40. ^ Keay, p. 175.
  41. ^ "Delhi Durbar Tiara". Royal Collection Trust. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016.
  42. ^ "Cullinan III and IV Brooch". Royal Collection Trust. Archived from the original on 6 December 2018. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  43. ^ a b "The diamonds and their history" (PDF). Royal Collection Trust. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 January 2016. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  44. ^ "Jewellery made from the Cullinan Diamond" (PDF). Royal Collection Trust. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 October 2012. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  45. ^ Mears, p. 150.
  46. ^ Caroline Davies (14 February 2023). "Camilla to wear recycled crown without Koh-i-Noor diamond at coronation". The Guardian.
  47. ^ a b "Cullinan VI and VIII Brooch". Royal Collection Trust. Archived from the original on 15 May 2019. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  48. ^ "Delhi Durbar Necklace and Cullinan VII Pendant". Royal Collection Trust. Archived from the original on 15 May 2019. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  49. ^ "Cullinan IX Ring". Royal Collection Trust. Archived from the original on 15 May 2019. Retrieved 11 December 2017.

General and cited references

[edit]

Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Cullinan Diamond

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Cullinan Diamond is the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered, weighing 3,106 carats (621.35 grams) in its uncut form. Found on 26 January 1905 by mine superintendent Frederick Wells at the Premier Mine near Pretoria in the Transvaal Colony (now South Africa), the dodecahedral crystal measured approximately 10 by 6 by 5 centimeters. Named in honor of Sir Thomas Cullinan, chairman of the Pretoria Diamond Syndicate that owned the mine, the stone was acquired by the Transvaal government and presented to King Edward VII of the United Kingdom on 9 November 1907 as a symbolic birthday gift and token of loyalty following the colony's recent autonomy. Entrusted to Joseph Asscher & Co. in Amsterdam for processing, the diamond was cleaved into two main pieces on 10 February 1908 after careful planning, then meticulously cut over three years into nine major faceted gems totaling over 1,363 carats, 96 smaller brilliants, and unpolished fragments. The two largest products, Cullinan I (the Great Star of Africa at 530.4 carats) and Cullinan II (the Second Star of Africa at 317.4 carats), remain mounted in the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross and the Imperial State Crown, respectively, as central elements of the British Crown Jewels.

Geological and Mining Context

Formation and Characteristics of the Rough Diamond

The formed deep within the under extreme conditions of high , approximately 1,500°C, and equivalent to depths of 150 kilometers or more, where carbon atoms crystallize into the lattice in or eclogite host rocks. These conditions, sustained over potentially billions of years, enable the growth of large diamonds like , which likely developed in a unique, high-temperature mantle environment beneath the . Subsequent volcanic activity via eruptions transported the to the surface, embedding it in the pipe later exploited as the near , . In its rough state, the Cullinan weighed 3,106 carats (621.2 grams) and measured approximately 10.1 cm × 6.4 cm × 5.9 cm, presenting an irregular, somewhat boss-shaped form with a colorless to faint blue-white tint. Classified as a Type IIa based on its spectrum indicating minimal impurities, it contains virtually no detectable or , rendering it among the chemically purest natural diamonds and exhibiting exceptional thermal conductivity. This purity correlates with low internal inclusions, contributing to its high gem quality despite the rough exterior's surface irregularities from mantle transport and weathering.

The Premier Mine and Discovery Event

The Premier Mine, situated near Pretoria in what was then the Transvaal Colony (present-day Gauteng, South Africa), originated from a kimberlite pipe identified in 1902 by prospector Sir Thomas Cullinan, who had earlier located alluvial diamonds in the area. Cullinan established the Premier Diamond Mining Company to exploit the deposit, with mining operations commencing in 1903 and yielding significant diamond production despite initial challenges in pipe evaluation. The mine's blue ground, indicative of high-quality kimberlite, quickly positioned it as a major producer in South Africa's burgeoning diamond industry. On January 25, 1905, the mine's superintendent, Frederick Wells, discovered the largest gem-quality in history during a routine tour approximately 18 feet below the surface in the No. 2 shaft. The uncut stone, a colorless, irregular dodecahedral weighing 3,106 carats (621.20 grams or 1.37 pounds), was promptly presented to Thomas Cullinan, after whom it was named in recognition of his foundational role in the mine's development. Due to its unprecedented size and value, the discovery was kept confidential initially to mitigate theft risks, with the diamond transported under heavy guard to . This event not only elevated the Premier Mine's global prominence but also underscored the geological potential of the region for yielding exceptional diamonds.

Historical Acquisition

Presentation as a Diplomatic Gift

The government of the acquired the Cullinan Diamond on 17 October 1907 for £150,000 (equivalent to approximately £19 million in 2023 values, adjusted for inflation) with the explicit intent of presenting it to King Edward VII as a token of loyalty and goodwill. This purchase followed the diamond's discovery in 1905 at the and its initial ownership by Sir Thomas Cullinan, after whom it was named. The decision reflected post-war reconciliation efforts, as the Transvaal had been annexed by Britain following the Second Boer (1899–1902), during which relations had been deeply strained. On 9 November 1907, coinciding with 's 66th birthday, the 3,106-carat rough stone was formally presented to the king as a diplomatic , underscoring the colony's allegiance to the British throne and person. The presentation served as a symbolic bridge, with the diamond described in official communications as emblematic of "the loyalty and attachment of the people of the Transvaal" amid ongoing integration into the . Prime Minister , representing the Transvaal government, played a key role in facilitating the , which was transported securely to for handover. accepted the offering promptly, though security concerns led to its temporary storage under police guard before further arrangements.

Ownership Debates and Criticisms

The presentation of the Cullinan Diamond to King Edward VII on November 9, 1907, by Transvaal Prime Minister elicited criticism at the time primarily from factions within the colony's white political establishment, who deemed the £5,000 purchase and gifting an unnecessary financial burden and a gesture of undue deference to British authority following the Anglo-Boer War. These objections centered on domestic resource allocation rather than , as the Transvaal government—elected and operating under British colonial oversight—framed the act as a voluntary token of to secure favorable relations and potential . In the post-apartheid era, debates have intensified over the legitimacy of the 1907 transfer, with South African critics portraying the diamond's acquisition as emblematic of colonial extraction, arguing that the "gift" masked power imbalances where the Transvaal's autonomy was compromised by British imperial dominance after the 1902 peace treaty. Activists contend that the rough stone, mined from South African soil, rightfully belongs to the nation rather than the British Crown Jewels, where principal facets like the 530-carat Great Star of Africa (Cullinan I) remain embedded in items such as the Sovereign's Sceptre. This perspective gained traction amid broader repatriation movements for colonial-era artifacts, though proponents of retention emphasize the transaction's legality under contemporaneous governance structures and the absence of direct coercion evidence beyond the colonial framework. Repatriation demands peaked in 2022 following Queen Elizabeth II's death on September 8, when activist Thanduxolo Sabelo publicly insisted, "The Diamond must be returned to with immediate effect," linking it to unpaid reparations for historical injustices. Similar calls resurfaced before King Charles III's coronation on May 6, 2023, with a petition amassing over 8,000 signatures urging the return of Cullinan I and other stones as a rectification of imperial legacy. n media and civil groups have amplified these arguments, viewing the diamonds' use in royal as a perpetuation of unequal historical exchanges, though British officials have maintained the jewels' inalienable status as national patrimony without committing to restitution. No formal legal challenges have succeeded, and analyses suggest low prospects for return given the gift's documented voluntariness by the era's authorities.

Cutting and Processing

Selection of Experts and Initial Assessments

King Edward VII selected Asscher of I. J. Asscher and Company in to oversee the cutting of the Diamond in 1907, owing to the firm's established reputation for handling exceptionally large diamonds, including their successful cleaving and polishing of the 995-carat Excelsior diamond in 1904. The choice reflected Asscher's expertise in assessing and planning the division of irregular, flawed rough stones to maximize yield while minimizing risk of total loss, a critical consideration for the unprecedented 3,106.75-carat Cullinan. Upon its secure transport to in late 1907, the —measuring approximately 10.1 by 6.35 by 5.9 centimeters and exhibiting a blue-white hue—was subjected to meticulous initial examinations by Joseph Asscher and his team. These assessments, spanning six months, involved detailed scrutiny of the stone's octahedral , internal inclusions, and natural cleavage planes using available optical tools and magnification to map potential fracture lines. The evaluations revealed significant irregularities and a prominent flaw running parallel to one face, necessitating a preliminary cleaving to divide the stone into two principal sections before further processing, thereby reducing the hazard of shattering the entire crystal during . Asscher's conservative approach prioritized preservation of mass over aggressive cutting, informed by empirical lessons from prior large-diamond failures, and culminated in the fabrication of custom tools, including a reinforced holder and specialized , tested on replica stones.

The Cleaving and Faceting Process

The 3,106-carat Cullinan rough diamond arrived at the Asscher Diamond Company in Amsterdam in late 1907, where it underwent extensive examination to assess internal flaws and optimal division planes. Due to its irregular shape and inclusions, primarily a black spot and surface imperfections, the decision was made to cleave rather than saw the stone initially, aiming to maximize yield while minimizing risk of shattering. Joseph Asscher and his team prepared a precise groove along a cleavage plane, a process that took approximately four days using specialized tools. On February 10, 1908, Joseph Asscher performed the first cleave by inserting a into the groove and striking it with a heavy rod; the initial blow snapped the without affecting the , necessitating a reinforced tool. A subsequent strike successfully divided the rough into two principal portions, weighing roughly 1,977 carats and 1,129 carats, though exact weights varied slightly due to minor fragments. To address remaining flaws, further cleavages and narrow saw cuts were applied, ultimately yielding nine major pieces from which the principal gems would be faceted, along with smaller fragments for additional stones. This multi-step division preserved the stone's integrity, avoiding the total loss that could result from improper force application along 's perfect octahedral cleavage. Faceting commenced on March 2, 1908, supervised by master cutter Henri Koe in a fortified room to ensure security amid high stakes. The process involved bruting the cleaved pieces to form preliminary girdles by against each other, followed by precise grinding and on rotating scaifes coated with diamond powder to create facets, with the largest stone requiring over six months of continuous work by multiple polishers operating 14-hour shifts. By early November 1908, the nine principal —totaling over 2,000 carats—were completed, alongside 96 smaller brilliants and about 9.5 carats of unpolished residue, representing a yield of approximately 65% polished gems from the original rough. The emphasized maximizing brilliance while accommodating the rough's natural features, resulting in shapes like pendeloque for Cullinan I, with 74 facets to enhance light return despite its size. This labor-intensive method, reliant on manual skill rather than modern machinery, underscored the era's diamond limitations and the Asscher firm's for handling exceptional roughs.

The Principal Cut Diamonds

Cullinan I (Great Star of Africa)

Cullinan I, also known as the Great Star of Africa, is a pear-shaped brilliant-cut weighing precisely 530.4 carats (106.1 grams), measuring 4.54 cm × 4.08 cm × 2.42 cm. It exhibits exceptional D-color grading on the Gemological Institute of America's scale, with flawless clarity (FL) and Type IIa classification, indicating the absence of impurities typical in most . This makes it one of the finest large colorless ever cut, prized for its fire, scintillation, and lack of internal flaws visible under 10x magnification. The stone originated from the largest section of the processed rough, which weighed approximately 1,600 carats after initial cleaving and sawing by the Asscher brothers in . In 1908, Joseph Asscher performed the critical cleave on the 1,600-carat piece, dividing it into two portions: one yielding I and the smaller II. Subsequent bruting reduced the main piece to about 1,400 carats before skilled over several weeks produced the final 530.4-carat gem, executed by Asscher's team using manual techniques to maximize yield while enhancing brilliance. The cut prioritized size and beauty over smaller, more numerous facets, resulting in a bold pear shape that showcases the diamond's inherent purity. Cullinan I has been mounted in the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross since 1911, forming a key element of the British displayed in the . King Edward VII first viewed the cut stone in 1908, and it was incorporated into royal regalia during George V's reign, symbolizing imperial prestige derived from the 1907 gift of the original rough to the British monarchy. Its value is estimated in excess of $400 million, though as a state treasure, it remains inalienable and uninsured. Periodic examinations confirm its enduring condition, with no recorded damage or alterations since cutting.

Cullinan II (Second Star of Africa)

Cullinan II, also known as the Second Star of Africa or Lesser Star of Africa, is a cushion-cut brilliant weighing 317.4 carats. It represents the second-largest faceted stone produced from the 3,106-carat rough diamond, following Cullinan I. The stone exhibits exceptional clarity and a blue-white hue consistent with the original rough's gemological profile, graded as internally flawless under modern standards. The diamond emerged from the meticulous cutting process undertaken by Joseph Asscher and his brothers in , which began after the rough Cullinan's initial cleaving in 1908. This phase involved precise to maximize yield while navigating internal flaws and cleavage planes, yielding Cullinan II from one of the larger post-cleavage sections alongside smaller brilliants. Completed by , the stone was among the principal gems presented to King Edward VII on November 21, 1907, in preliminary form, with final polishing affirming its status as a centerpiece of royal jewelry. Cullinan II has been mounted in the front band of the since 1911, where it occupies a prominent position below the and amid other historic gems. The crown, remade for King George V's , features the diamond as a symbol of imperial prestige, and it remains on public display in the as part of the British . During periods of risk, such as , the stone was removed from the setting and secured in a fortified location, later reinstalled without incident.

Cullinan III and Cullinan IV

Cullinan III is a pear-shaped diamond weighing 94.4 carats, while Cullinan IV is a cushion-cut diamond weighing 63.6 carats; both were faceted from the original Cullinan rough by the Asscher brothers in Amsterdam between 1907 and 1908. These stones, the third- and fourth-largest polished gems from the Cullinan, were initially set into Queen Mary's Crown for her coronation on June 22, 1911, with Cullinan III serving as a detachable pear drop from the monde and Cullinan IV mounted in the lower band. Queen Mary reportedly nicknamed the pair "Granny's chips" due to their relative modesty compared to Cullinan I and II, though they remain among the world's largest cut diamonds of their shapes. In , the diamonds were removed from the crown and remounted by as a versatile that could detach into a , with Cullinan IV as the base and Cullinan III suspended below. The brooch has been worn by multiple royal women, including Queen Mary during state occasions and on visits such as to in 1956 and the in 1957; last wore it publicly in 2012 for the Thames Pageant. Both diamonds are held in the British Royal Collection and occasionally displayed at the , underscoring their enduring role in royal insignia despite not being fixed in the Crown Jewels like larger Cullinan pieces.

Cullinan V through Cullinan IX

Cullinan V is a heart-shaped weighing 18.8 carats (3.76 grams), cut from the original Cullinan rough and set centrally in a with surrounding diamonds, originally crafted for Queen Mary as part of a ensemble. This was presented to Queen Mary by the government in 1911, and it has been worn by subsequent royals, including Queen Elizabeth II and at events such as Royal Ascot in June 2025. The stone's heart shape, unusual for diamonds of its era, reflects the cutters' efforts to maximize yield while achieving aesthetic appeal. Cullinan VI, a marquise-cut of 11.5 carats, was also gifted to Queen Mary and incorporated into the Delhi Durbar parure as a element, often suspended from the holding Cullinan VIII. This setting allowed for versatile wear within the Indian-inspired jewelry suite commissioned for the 1911 coronation durbar. The marquise shape, elongated and boat-like, was selected to preserve the stone's clarity and brilliance from the parent rough. Cullinan VII weighs 8.8 carats in a marquise cut and forms the pendant stone in a small diamond-set , paired with Cullinan VIII at its center to create a cohesive piece suitable for formal occasions. Like VI, it originated from the South African gift to the British royals and remains in the royal collection. Cullinan VIII is a cushion-cut (or modified oblong) of 6.8 carats, set as the focal point in the alongside VII and part of the , emphasizing its role in elaborate or adornments. Cullinan IX, the smallest principal cut at 4.39 carats in a shape, was mounted in a ring presented to Queen Mary, allowing for personal rather than ceremonial use, and it continues to be held in the royal jewelry collection. These five stones, totaling approximately 50 carats, represent the finer yields from the 1,033-carat core remaining after extracting the larger gems, demonstrating the precision of the cleaving and faceting by Joseph Asscher & Co. to minimize waste from the 3,106-carat rough.

Legacy and Significance

Integration into British Crown Jewels

Following the completion of the cutting process in 1908, the principal diamonds derived from the Cullinan were retained by King Edward VII, who had received the rough stone as a gift from the government of the in 1907. After Edward VII's death on May 6, 1910, his successor, King George V, commissioned the integration of the two largest facets into core elements of the British regalia. The 530.2-carat Cullinan I, known as the Great Star of Africa, was set into the , necessitating a remodeling of the sceptre to accommodate its size; this pear-shaped brilliant was mounted at the pinnacle, where it remains the largest colorless cut diamond in the world. Simultaneously, the 317.4-carat Cullinan II, or Second Star of Africa, was embedded in the , becoming its most valuable stone and a fixture visible during state occasions such as coronations and the Opening of Parliament. These settings symbolized the diamond's transition from a colonial to enduring symbols of monarchical authority, with both gems displayed in the at the as part of Jewels. Smaller principal stones underwent varied incorporations, often temporary or adaptable for versatility within the royal collection. Cullinan III (94.4 carats, pear-shaped) and Cullinan IV (63.6 carats, cushion-cut) were set into Queen Mary's Crown for her on June 22, 1911, though subsequently removed to form a detachable , allowing use in both and personal adornment. Cullinan V (18.8 carats) was later inserted into the same crown for its adaptation during the 1937 of King George VI. The remaining facets, including Cullinan VI through IX, were mounted in items such as necklaces, pendants, and earrings, contributing to the broader assemblage of jewelry held in trust for the sovereign.

Valuation, Rarity, and Economic Impact

The Cullinan Diamond's rarity stems from its unprecedented size as the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered, measuring 3,106 carats (621.2 grams) when unearthed on January 25, 1905, at South Africa's Premier Mine. This eclipses other major finds, such as the 1,109-carat Lesotho Legend of 2018 or the 995-carat Lesedi La Rona of 2015, by a factor of three or more in rough weight, with its gem-quality clarity—free of significant inclusions—further distinguishing it from industrial-grade or flawed large stones. After cutting into 105 pieces between 1908 and 1910, the resulting gems retained exceptional scarcity, including the 530.2-carat Cullinan I, the world's largest cut colorless diamond facet. Valuation of the Cullinan stones remains hypothetical, as they reside in the British Crown Jewels and have never entered the , rendering appraisals speculative and influenced by factors beyond carat weight, such as and institutional prestige. The principal nine diamonds, totaling over 2,000 carats, carry collective estimates ranging from $400 million to $2 billion, with the 530.2-carat Cullinan I (Great Star of Africa) alone valued at approximately $400 million based on comparisons to auction records for comparable large, high-quality colorless diamonds. Cullinan II, at 317.4 carats, contributes similarly high figures, though precise pricing eludes consensus due to the absence of direct sales data; earlier 1908 assessments pegged the cut yield at $2.5 million (equivalent to $81 million in 2025 dollars), far below modern extrapolations adjusted for inflation and rarity premiums. The Cullinan's discovery exerted measurable economic effects on the Premier Mine, then struggling with low yields, by triggering an 80-fold surge in share prices amid valuation reports from $4 million to $100 million, revitalizing confidence and underscoring the site's potential for blockbuster recoveries. This windfall supported ongoing operations at what became a cornerstone of South Africa's diamond sector, with the mine yielding further high-value gems, including a 26.6-carat rough in recent decades that polished to a 7.0-carat Fancy Vivid sold for $9.49 million, thereby sustaining revenues and in a where historically comprised a significant GDP fraction. The 1907 purchase by the Transvaal government—facilitating its gift to King Edward VII—occurred at a fraction of appraised worth, prioritizing diplomatic symbolism over immediate fiscal gain but indirectly stabilizing regional investments post-Boer War through enhanced British ties. Long-term, the diamond's fame has bolstered the global prestige of natural rough sourcing, contrasting with synthetic alternatives and reinforcing demand for rare, provenance-backed gems in luxury markets.

Symbolic Role and Cultural Perceptions

The Cullinan Diamond's principal cuts, notably Cullinan I (the Great Star of Africa) and Cullinan II (the Second Star of Africa), were integrated into key regalia of the British Crown Jewels following their presentation to King Edward VII on November 9, 1907, by the Transvaal government as an official gesture of allegiance after the colony received self-governing status post-Second Boer War. Cullinan I, weighing 530.4 carats, adorns the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross, embodying monarchical authority and the continuity of royal sovereignty during coronations, as evidenced by its use in the 1911 ceremony of and subsequent accessions. This placement underscores the diamond's role as a tangible emblem of imperial consolidation and the perceived divine right of kingship within British tradition. In broader cultural contexts, the Cullinan has symbolized opulence and mastery over natural resources, reflecting early 20th-century advancements in diamond prospecting and lapidary techniques that transformed a 3,106-carat rough stone into facets rivaling historical treasures like the Koh-i-Noor. Yet, perceptions diverge sharply along national lines: within the United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms, it evokes pride in geological bounty and artisanal precision, often celebrated in royal exhibitions as a pinnacle of gemological heritage. In South Africa, however, activist groups and figures such as Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters have framed it as a emblem of colonial plunder, asserting that the 1905 discovery and subsequent gifting occurred under duress from British dominion, prompting repatriation demands intensified after Queen Elizabeth II's death in 2022. These calls, rooted in post-apartheid narratives of restitution, contrast with historical records documenting the Transvaal's voluntary purchase and presentation of the rough diamond for £150,000 to foster diplomatic ties, though skeptics question the autonomy of such decisions amid lingering wartime resentments.

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