The 3,106-carat Cullinan, was the largest diamond crystal ever found.It was discovered on January 26th 1905. The finding of the largest diamond crystal was purely accidental, it was found by Frederick Wells while he was walking through one of the mine corridors. Initially he thought it was a piece of glass, following examinations showed it was a diamond of 3,106.75 carats.
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| Rough Cullinan diamond stone |
The Cullinan was cut by Joseph Asscher and Company of Amsterdam, who examined the enormous crystal for around six months before determining how to divide it. It eventually yeilded nine major, and 96 smaller brilliant cut stones. The 9 major stones are as follows (view Source):
The Cullinan I was the largest polished diamond in the world until the 1985 discovery of the Golden Jubilee Diamond. Despite this, it still remains the largest, D-color, faceted diamond in the world, the Golden Jubilee having a yellow-brownish color. King Edward VII ordered the Cullinan I –Star of Africa to be mounted on the head of the Royal Scepter. Star of Africa was purchased for King Edward on his 66th anniversary, at the price of $800,000.00.
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The Cullinan 1 was not the only one from the nine major stones that appears on some major Jewelry. Cullinan II is set in the front of the circlet of the Imperial State Crown. Cullinan III and IV have been included in a Brooch and a number have been included in forming part of the stomacher of the Delhi Durbar Parure.
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