The Cullinan Diamond remains the largest cut diamond in the world, a glittering benchmark in gem history. Its legacy continues to shape how the industry defines size, quality, and prestige.
Below is a detailed overview of the most famous large diamond ever faceted, including key specs, ownership milestones, and market impact at a glance.
| Name | Cullinan Diamond |
|---|---|
| Weight Rough | 3,106 carats |
| Weight Cut | 998.6 carats (finished stones) |
| Mine | Premier Mine, Transvaal, South Africa |
| Largest Cut Stone | Cullinan I (Great Star of Africa), 530 carats |
| Current Setting | Crown Jewels, United Kingdom |
Discovery and Mining Story
In January 1905, miners unearthed an extraordinary blue-white crystal weighing over 3,000 carats nearly 18 feet below the surface at Premier Mine. The sheer scale of the find required the mine manager to send the stone by ordinary train to avoid drawing attention, yet it soon became an international sensation. Government and industry experts examined the crystal on site, confirming that it was a single gigantic gem-quality diamond never before seen in modern history.
Cutting and Finished Stones
Due to its unprecedented size, the rough diamond was studied for months before Joseph Asscher & Co. was entrusted with the work. The firm designed a specialized plan to cleave and polish the stone into multiple gems, balancing maximum weight retention with the elimination as many internal flaws as possible. The process took years, eventually yielding nine major stones and dozens of smaller brilliants, each representing a calculated compromise between size and perfection.
Major Cuts: Cullinan I to Cullinan III
Cullinan I, also known as the Great Star of Africa, is the largest finished cut diamond from the parcel at 530 carats, set in the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross. Cullinan II, or the Second Star of Africa, weighs 317 carats and is set in the Imperial State Crown. Cullinan III and IV, smaller yet historically significant, were once part of a dramatic parure and remain key elements in understanding how the rough was subdivided for royal use.
Market Value and Ownership Timeline
The economic impact of the Cullinan extends far beyond its first sale, influencing insurance valuations, museum policies, and crown-jewel budgeting for generations. Although the original crystal was owned by the Transvaal Colony government, the cut stones eventually became an inalienable part of the British Crown Jewels. Their public display continues to draw global audiences and reinforces the connection between natural rarity and national heritage.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- The Cullinan remains the largest cut diamond ever produced from gem-quality rough.
- Its division into multiple stones preserved weight while reducing the impact of inclusions.
- Cullinan I and II continue to anchor important regalia in the United Kingdom.
- The mine’s location in South Africa helped establish the region as a premier source of diamonds.
- Public display and documented history reinforce unmatched cultural and financial value.
FAQ
Reader questions
Where was the largest cut diamond discovered and when?
The Cullinan Diamond was discovered at Premier Mine in Transvaal, South Africa, in January 1905.
Who cut the Cullinan Diamond and how long did it take?
The diamond was cut by Joseph Asscher & Co., a renowned Amsterdam firm, over the course of several years.
What is the largest individual cut from the Cullinan rough?
Cullinan I, the Great Star of Africa, is the largest finished stone at 530 carats and is set in the Sovereign’s Sceptre.
Is the Cullinan Diamond on public display today?
Yes, the major Cullinan cut stones are part of the British Crown Jewels and are displayed to the public at the Tower of London.