Diamonds are one of the most beautiful and precious gemstones on Earth. But did you know the Cullinan Diamond is the world’s largest diamond ever found? And most surprisingly, it was not discovered as a diamond, but rather as a piece of coal!
FACT #1: WHEN AND WHERE WAS THE WORLD’S BIGGEST DIAMOND DISCOVERED?
The world’s giant diamond – the Cullinan Diamond, was discovered in the Premier Mine in Pretoria, South Africa in 1905. It was named after the owner of the mine – Thomas Cullinan. In its uncut state, the diamond weighed a massive 3,106 carats! It was just under 4 inches long, over 2 inches wide, and more than 2.5 inches in height. Mind-boggling, isn’t it?
FACT #2: WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CULLINAN DIAMOND?
After the discovery by Thomas Cullinan, the colorless Cullinan Diamond was purchased by the Transvaal government in 1907, who then presented it to the reigning British monarch – King Edward VII as a birthday gift. (Given the diamond’s size, it wasn’t used as a necklace of course.) It was later cut into nine large stones and about a hundred smaller ones by I J Asscher & Company of Amsterdam, who were famed for the cutting of the Excelsior diamond – the largest known diamond until the discovery of the Cullinan diamond.
FACT #3: WHERE ARE ALL DIAMONDS CUT FROM THE CULLINAN DIAMOND NOW?
All stones cut from the Cullinan diamond, flawless, are now part of the British regalia. The largest diamonds cut from the Cullinan are part of the Crown Jewels of England (picture), on display in the Tower of London.
The largest of the diamonds cut from the Cullinan diamond is the second-largest cut diamond known to humanity (picture) – it is called the Great Star of Africa or Cullinan I. It weighs a whopping 530.2 carats, is pear-shaped, and is set in the English scepter. Another valuable stone derived from the original Cullinan diamond is the Cullinan II diamond, sometimes called the Second Star of Africa. It weighs 317 carats and is set in the Sovereign’s Scepter with Cross.
IF YOU DIDN’T KNOW, NOW YOU KNOW
The Cullinan diamond is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful and coveted gems shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The three facts shared above are just a few of the many surprising aspects of this precious stone. We hope you have enjoyed learning about it and get inspired further to know more about this fascinating gemstone.
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