THE CULLINAN – $400 MILLIONS
When it was discovered in the Premier No. 2 mine in Cullinan in South Africa, it was the largest gem-quality rough diamond to have been found. Then weighing 3,106.75 carats (621.35 g), it has since gone on to form 9 diamonds, all now a part of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. Cullinan I or Great Star of Africa, at 530.2 carats, continued being the largest diamond till 1985 when the Golden Jubilee of 545.67 carats from the same mine dethroned it. However, it is still the largest clear cut diamond. Now it rests on top of the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross. Cullinan II or the Second Star of Africa has 66 facets and is set in the front of the Imperial State Crown, below the Black Prince’s Ruby and the Kohinoor. Cullinans III and IV, both known as the Lesser Star of Africa, and Cullinans V, VI and VIII are all parts of brooches. Cullinan VII is a pendant in the Delhi Durbar necklace, while Cullinan IX is set in the platinum Cullinan IX Ring. Phew!
