Cullinan Diamond facts for kids
The rough diamond
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| Weight | 3,106.75 carats (621.350 g) |
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| Colour | Near colourless |
| Cut | 105 stones of assorted cuts |
| Country of origin | South Africa |
| Mine of origin | Premier Mine |
| Cut by | Asscher Brothers |
| Original owner | Premier Diamond Mining Company |
| Owner | Elizabeth II in right of the Crown |
The Cullinan Diamond is the biggest gem-quality rough diamond ever found. It weighed about 3,106 carats, which is over 600 grams! This amazing diamond was discovered in South Africa on January 26, 1905. It was found at the Premier No.2 mine in a town called Cullinan, and it was named after Thomas Cullinan, who was in charge of the mine.
After its discovery, the Cullinan Diamond was put up for sale in London in April 1905. Even though many people were interested, it didn't sell for two years. In 1907, the government of the Transvaal Colony (a part of South Africa at the time) bought the diamond. They then gave it as a gift to Edward VII, who was the King of the United Kingdom. The King decided to have the huge diamond cut into smaller, sparkling gems. This important job was given to the Asscher Brothers in Amsterdam, a city famous for diamond cutting.
Contents
Cutting the Giant Diamond
Cutting such a huge and valuable diamond was a very difficult and risky task. The Asscher Brothers carefully studied the Cullinan Diamond for months before making the first cut. They had to make sure they split it perfectly to get the best possible gems.
The original rough diamond was cut into many different stones of various shapes and sizes. The two largest and most famous pieces are known as Cullinan I and Cullinan II.
The Famous Cullinan Diamonds
The cutting of the Cullinan Diamond resulted in 105 beautiful stones. The most important ones are:
Cullinan I: The Great Star of Africa
This is the largest clear cut diamond in the world. It weighs about 530 carats, which is over 100 grams! Cullinan I is also known as the Great Star of Africa. This magnificent diamond is set into the top of the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross. This sceptre is a special object used by the King or Queen during important ceremonies.
Cullinan II: The Second Star of Africa
The second largest diamond from the original Cullinan is called Cullinan II, or the Second Star of Africa. It weighs about 317 carats. This impressive diamond is placed in the front of the Imperial State Crown. Both Cullinan I and Cullinan II are very important parts of the Crown Jewels, which are kept safe in the Tower of London.
Other Cullinan Diamonds
Besides the two largest diamonds, there are seven other major diamonds that came from the Cullinan. These seven stones together weigh about 208 carats. These diamonds are privately owned by Elizabeth II, who became Queen in 1952. She inherited them from her grandmother, Queen Mary, in 1953. The Queen also owns many smaller diamonds and some pieces of the original rough diamond that were not polished.
Images for kids
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Wells and the diamond
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Joseph Asscher making the split
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The nine major stones. Top: Cullinans II, I, and III. Bottom: Cullinans VIII, VI, IV, V, VII and IX.
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Queen Mary wearing Cullinans I and II as a brooch on her chest, III as a pendant on the Coronation Necklace, and IV in the base of her crown, below the Koh-i-Noor
See also
In Spanish: Cullinan para niños
