The Jewel of Kings: How the Cullinan Diamond Shaped Royal History
Few gemstones in the world capture the imagination and mystique of royalty, history, and luxury quite like The Cullinan Diamond. Discovered more than a century ago, this extraordinary gemstone remains the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, weighing an astonishing 3,106 carats in its raw state. Its story is filled with intrigue, from its discovery in South Africa, to its cutting in the Netherlands, to its current placement among the British Crown Jewels.
In this article, we’ll explore the story of The Cullinan Diamond, what happened to it after its discovery, its estimated worth today, controversies surrounding it, what people think about its legacy, and finally, where The Cullinan Diamond is located now.
What is The Cullinan Diamond?
The Cullinan Diamond is often referred to as the “Star of Africa”, a symbol of both South African mineral wealth and British royal heritage.
Discovered: January 26, 1905
Location: Premier Mine (now Cullinan Mine), near Pretoria, South Africa
Weight (rough): 3,106.75 carats (about 1.37 pounds)
Color & Clarity: Exceptional clarity and colorless transparency
Significance: Largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered
Named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the mine where it was found, the Cullinan Diamond was so extraordinary that it quickly captured worldwide attention.
The Story of The Cullinan Diamond’s Discovery
The discovery of the Cullinan Diamond is the stuff of legend. On an ordinary day in 1905, Frederick Wells, the mine’s superintendent, noticed a gleam of light in the mine wall about 18 feet below the surface. At first, Wells thought it might be a shard of glass embedded in the rock, but upon closer inspection, he realized it was a massive diamond.
When weighed, the stone came in at a staggering 3,106 carats, making it the largest diamond ever found. News of the discovery spread like wildfire, and the gem was presented to Sir Thomas Cullinan, whose name it still bears.
At first, it was difficult to find a buyer for such an enormous gem. Eventually, the Transvaal Colony government purchased the diamond in 1907 for £150,000 (roughly £20 million in today’s money) and decided to gift it to King Edward VII of the United Kingdom as a gesture of goodwill.
What Happened to The Cullinan Diamond?
The Cullinan Diamond didn’t remain whole for long. In 1908, King Edward VII entrusted the cutting of the diamond to the prestigious Asscher brothers in Amsterdam, master diamond cutters.
The cutting process was extremely risky. The first attempt to cleave the diamond actually broke the cutting blade, not the stone. On the second strike, the Cullinan Diamond split perfectly, and from it, a collection of spectacular polished diamonds was created.
The Cullinan Diamonds Today
The original rough stone produced nine major stones and 96 smaller stones, the most famous being:
Cullinan I (The Great Star of Africa)
Weight: 530.2 carats
Setting: Mounted in the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, part of the British Crown Jewels
Distinction: The largest clear-cut diamond in the world
Cullinan II (The Second Star of Africa)
Weight: 317.4 carats
Setting: Mounted in the Imperial State Crown
Distinction: One of the most recognizable jewels in royal ceremonies
Cullinan III and IV (sometimes called the Lesser Stars of Africa)
Weights: 94.4 and 63.6 carats
Setting: A brooch, often worn by Queen Elizabeth II
Cullinan V, VI, VII, VIII, and IX
Smaller but still extraordinary stones, incorporated into brooches, pendants, and other royal jewelry pieces.
Altogether, the Cullinan stones form an integral part of the British Crown Jewels collection, displayed at the Tower of London.
What is The Cullinan Diamond Worth Today?
Placing a definitive value on the Cullinan stones is almost impossible because they are priceless historical treasures. However, estimates can be made based on their carat weight, clarity, and significance.
Cullinan I (530.2 carats): Estimated at $400 million – $450 million
Cullinan II (317.4 carats): Estimated at $200 million – $250 million
Smaller Cullinan stones: Combined worth in the hundreds of millions
Some gemologists argue that if the original 3,106-carat rough diamond existed today uncut, it could be worth over $2 billion.
Thus, The Cullinan Diamond and its stones are among the most valuable diamonds in the world, rivaling gems like the Koh-i-Noor and the Hope Diamond.
Controversies Surrounding The Cullinan Diamond
While The Cullinan Diamond is a marvel of nature, it is not without controversy.
1. Colonial History and Ownership
One of the major points of contention is that the diamond was found in South Africa during the colonial period and was gifted to the British monarchy. Many critics argue that it represents the exploitation of African resources by colonial powers, and some believe the diamond should be returned to South Africa.
2. Debates About “Gift” vs. “Exploitation”
Although historical records state that the diamond was “gifted” to King Edward VII, some historians suggest that the gift was not truly voluntary, but a political move by the Transvaal Colony to gain favor with Britain. This raises ethical questions about whether Britain should still retain ownership.
3. Calls for Repatriation
In recent years, especially after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, activists and historians have renewed calls for the Cullinan diamonds to be returned to South Africa. For many, the diamonds are symbols of colonialism, and repatriation is seen as a way to address historical injustice.
Public Opinion About The Cullinan Diamond
Public perception of the Cullinan Diamond is divided, depending on cultural and historical perspectives.
Admiration for Craftsmanship: Many admire the diamond’s sheer size, beauty, and the skill of the Asscher brothers in cutting it. For jewelers and gem enthusiasts, it remains a masterpiece.
Royal Symbolism: For monarchists and fans of the British royal family, the Cullinan stones symbolize continuity, tradition, and the grandeur of the Crown Jewels.
Criticism Over Colonial Legacy: Others, particularly in South Africa and postcolonial discourse, view the diamond as a reminder of exploitation and injustice, fueling demands for its return.
On social media platforms and forums, debates frequently arise about whether the diamonds belong in Britain or should be returned to their country of origin.
Where is The Cullinan Diamond Today?
The Cullinan stones are mostly housed in the British Crown Jewels, which are kept secure in the Tower of London and viewed by millions of visitors each year.
Cullinan I: Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross
Cullinan II: Imperial State Crown
Cullinan III & IV: Brooch, part of Queen Elizabeth II’s personal collection, now passed to King Charles III
Cullinan V, VI, VII, VIII, IX: Incorporated into various royal jewelry pieces, occasionally worn during state occasions
Thus, the legacy of the Cullinan lives on in the heart of the British monarchy’s regalia, still dazzling the world over a century later.
The Legacy of The Cullinan Diamond
The Cullinan Diamond’s story is more than just about wealth and beauty. It represents a complex intersection of natural wonder, human craftsmanship, colonial history, and modern debates about heritage.
For jewelers, it is the pinnacle of diamond cutting achievement.
For the British monarchy, it is a symbol of royal power and tradition.
For South Africans, it remains a contested artifact of colonial extraction.
Its legacy continues to inspire fascination and debate, ensuring that the Cullinan Diamond’s story remains relevant even in the 21st century.
The Cullinan Diamond is not just the world’s largest diamond, it is a jewel of history. From its glittering discovery in 1905, to its transformation into some of the most famous gems in the world, to its secure place in the Crown Jewels today, the Cullinan remains unmatched in scale and grandeur.
Yet, alongside admiration lies controversy. Questions of ownership, colonial history, and repatriation ensure that the diamond is more than just a precious stone, it is a symbol of global history and debate.
Whether admired in awe or critiqued as a colonial relic, The Cullinan Diamond will forever shine as one of the most remarkable discoveries in the history of gemstones.
