The Cullinan Diamonds
Cullinan I
Among the most famous of diamonds is the Cullinan I. This 530 carat sparkler was the major crystal cut from the largest diamond rough (3100 carats) yet to be discovered. The rough actually yielded 105 gems, the Cullinan I being the largest .. more about the Cullinan diamonds.
The Cullinan was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, Chairman of the company that owned the mine. The rough was cut and polished in Amsterdam by the firm Asscher in 1908. Kept in the Tower of London, the diamond adorns the scepter of King Edward VII.
Cullinan I, also known as the "Star of Africa", is the largest faced "white" diamond known. But it is the second largest faceted diamond. Largest is the 545.67 carat Golden Jubilee. The Golden Jubilee was presented to H. M. Bumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand, on the occasion of his golden anniversary on the throne.
Cullinan II
Cullinan II is set in the English Imperial State Crown. The crown was made for the 1838 coronation of Queen Victoria. At 317.40 carats, the cushion cut diamond is set into the crown's brow band. The setting was designed so the Cullinan II could be removed from the crown and worn as a brooch.
Cullinan III
Cullinan III is a 94.40 carat pear cut. It is in the finial of Queen Mary's Crown but designed so it can be worn with the Cullinan IV as a pendant style brooch. Many portraits of Queen Mary's show her wearing these two diamonds.
Cullinan IV
Cullinan IV is cushion cut and weighs 63.60 carats. Originally set in the band of Queen Mary's crown, it can also be worn as jewelry.
Cullinan V
Cullinan V, ate 18.80 carats is triangular pear cut. Originally mounted in a brooch for Queen Mary or to be worn in the circlet of her crown. The diamond served as a replacement for the Koh-I-Noor which was removed to the new crown that was made for Elizabeth (Queen Mother) in 1937.
