The Cullinan Diamond

  Frederick Wells discovered the Cullinan Diamond in 1905; he was the superintendent of the Premier Mine in South Africa. While inspecting the mines eighteen feet below Earth’s surface, he saw what appeared to be an enormous piece of glass; however, he had it tested and it showed to be the largest diamond ever found, weighing 3106 carats. The Cullinan Diamond was named after the person who opened the mine, Sir Thomas Cullinan. The diamond was later sold to the Transvaal government and was later presented to King Edward VII of England on November 9, 1907, for his sixty-sixth birthday. The King then had the Cullinan Diamond cut in Amsterdam by Asscher’s Diamond Co.; it was cut into nine diamonds. The largest being the Cullinan I weighing 530.20 carats, it is also referred to as the Star of Africa. The Cullinan II weighs 317.40 carats; both diamonds are currently at the Tower of London on exhibit. The Cullinan III Diamond weighs 94.40 carats and is pear-shaped; it is used for jewelry. The Cullinan IV Diamond, also used for jewelry, weighs 63.60 carats and is cushion-shaped. The 18.80-carat Cullinan V Diamond was used in a brooch to be placed in the crown of Queen Mary. King Edward presented the Cullinan VI Diamond, which weighs 11.50 carats, to his wife Queen Alexandra; it is now part of a necklace worn by Elizabeth II. The Cullinan VII Diamond weighs 8.80 carats and is part of a brooch which features the 6.80 carat Cullinan VIII Diamond in the center. The 4.39-carat Cullinan IX Diamond was used to make a ring for Queen Mary.