The largest rough gem-quality Diamond ever to be found, it weighed a staggering 3,106.75 carats approximately 621.35 grams and was found by an employee of the Premier Diamond Mining Company in Cullinan, South Africa on January 26th 1905. It was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the Diamond mine and careful analysis was carried out before it was cut and its remarkable clarity noted. The Cullinan Diamond was initially cut into three large parts but later nine large gem-quality gemstones and a number of smaller ones were cut.
The largest polished gemstone from the Cullinan Diamond is the Cullinan I or Great Star of Africa and at 530.4 carats or 106.1 grams, it was the largest polished Diamond in the world until the discovery of the Golden Jubilee Diamond in 1985 which weighed 545.67 carats, 109.13 grams. It was found in the same mine as the Cullinan Diamond. The Cullinan I is now mounted in the head of the 'Sceptre with the Cross' in the British Crown Jewels. The second largest gemstone is the Cullinan II or the Lesser Star of Africa and this weighs 317.4 carats or 63.5 grams. It is the fourth largest polished Diamond in the world and is also part of the British Crown Jewels.
Further reading:
Cullinan diamond
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