Cullinan Diamond: Difference between revisions
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The '''Cullinan Diamond''', found by Frederick Wells, surface manager of the [[Premier Diamond Mining Company]] in [[Cullinan]], [[Gauteng]], [[South Africa]] on [[June 25]] [[1905 in South Africa|1905]], is the largest rough gem-quality [[diamond]] ever found, at 3,106.75 [[carat]]s (621.35 g). Although a [[carbonado]] found in [[Brazil]] weighed more than 3,600 carats (720 g), no gem-quality material could be extracted from it. The stone was named after Sir [[Thomas Cullinan]], the owner of the diamond mine. |
The '''Cullinan Diamond''', found by Frederick Wells, surface manager of the [[Premier Diamond Mining Company]] in [[Cullinan]], [[Gauteng]], [[South Africa]] on [[June 25]] [[1905 in South Africa|1905]], is the largest rough gem-quality [[diamond]] ever found, at 3,106.75 [[carat]]s (621.35 g). Although a [[carbonado]] found in [[Brazil]] weighed more than 3,600 carats (720 g), no gem-quality material could be extracted from it. The stone was named after Sir [[Thomas Cullinan]], the owner of the diamond mine. |
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The stone was bought by the [[Transvaal]] government and presented to [[King Edward VII]]. It was cut into three large parts by [[Asscher Brothers]] of [[Amsterdam]], and eventually into some 11 large gem-quality stones and a number of smaller fragments. The largest polished gem from the stone is named Cullinan I or the Great Star of Africa [[http://www.original-diamonds.com/famous_great_africa.php Picture]], and at 530.2 carats (106.04 g) was the largest polished diamond in the world until the [[1985]] discovery of the [[The Golden Jubilee|Golden Jubilee]] diamond (545.67 cts), also from the Premier mine. Cullinan I is now mounted in the head of the [[Sceptre with the Cross]]. The second largest gem from the Cullinan stone, Cullinan II or the |
The stone was bought by the [[Transvaal]] government and presented to [[King Edward VII]]. It was cut into three large parts by [[Asscher Brothers]] of [[Amsterdam]], and eventually into some 11 large gem-quality stones and a number of smaller fragments. The largest polished gem from the stone is named '''Cullinan I''' or the '''Great Star of Africa''' [[http://www.original-diamonds.com/famous_great_africa.php Picture]], and at 530.2 carats (106.04 g) was the largest polished diamond in the world until the [[1985]] discovery of the [[The Golden Jubilee|Golden Jubilee]] diamond (545.67 cts), also from the Premier mine. Cullinan I is now mounted in the head of the [[Sceptre with the Cross]]. The second largest gem from the Cullinan stone, '''Cullinan II''' or the '''Lesser Star of Africa''', at 317.4 carats (63.48 g), is the second largest polished diamond in the world and is also part of the British crown jewels, as it forms a part of the [[Imperial State Crown]]. Both gems are on display at the [[Tower of London]], as parts of the [[Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom|British crown jewels]]. |
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In 1905, transport from South Africa to England posed a bit of a problem with regards to security. Detectives from London were placed upon a steamer ship that was rumored to carry the stone, but this was a diversionary tactic. The stone on that ship was a fake, meant to attract those who would be interested in stealing it. The actual diamond was sent to England in a plain box via parcel post. |
In 1905, transport from South Africa to England posed a bit of a problem with regards to security. Detectives from London were placed upon a steamer ship that was rumored to carry the stone, but this was a diversionary tactic. The stone on that ship was a fake, meant to attract those who would be interested in stealing it. The actual diamond was sent to England in a plain box via parcel post. |
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Revision as of 21:04, 5 November 2005
The Cullinan Diamond, found by Frederick Wells, surface manager of the Premier Diamond Mining Company in Cullinan, Gauteng, South Africa on June 25 1905, is the largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found, at 3,106.75 carats (621.35 g). Although a carbonado found in Brazil weighed more than 3,600 carats (720 g), no gem-quality material could be extracted from it. The stone was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the diamond mine.
The stone was bought by the Transvaal government and presented to King Edward VII. It was cut into three large parts by Asscher Brothers of Amsterdam, and eventually into some 11 large gem-quality stones and a number of smaller fragments. The largest polished gem from the stone is named Cullinan I or the Great Star of Africa [Picture], and at 530.2 carats (106.04 g) was the largest polished diamond in the world until the 1985 discovery of the Golden Jubilee diamond (545.67 cts), also from the Premier mine. Cullinan I is now mounted in the head of the Sceptre with the Cross. The second largest gem from the Cullinan stone, Cullinan II or the Lesser Star of Africa, at 317.4 carats (63.48 g), is the second largest polished diamond in the world and is also part of the British crown jewels, as it forms a part of the Imperial State Crown. Both gems are on display at the Tower of London, as parts of the British crown jewels.
In 1905, transport from South Africa to England posed a bit of a problem with regards to security. Detectives from London were placed upon a steamer ship that was rumored to carry the stone, but this was a diversionary tactic. The stone on that ship was a fake, meant to attract those who would be interested in stealing it. The actual diamond was sent to England in a plain box via parcel post.
Throughout the years, rumors have spread of a second half of the Cullinan diamond, as certain signs point to the diamond being part of a larger crystal. Rumor has it that before Frederick Wells sold the diamond to Sir Thomas Cullinan he broke off a piece which sized in at about 1500 to 2000 carats (300 to 400 g). If this were true, then the original Cullinan diamond would have weighed in at about 5000 carats (1 kg).