The largest & most expensive diamond
Ever wondered what the ultimate diamond looks like? Meet the Cullinan Diamond—the largest, heaviest, and most expensive gem ever unearthed, a dazzling treasure fit for royalty with a history as brilliant as its sparkle.
The Largest & Most Expensive Diamond In The World
Diamonds have long been revered for their brilliance, rarity, and value, making them one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. While many famous diamonds have captivated collectors and historians alike, there is one that stands above the rest—both literally and figuratively. The Cullinan Diamond, a breathtaking marvel of nature, holds the title of the largest, heaviest, and most expensive diamond ever discovered. Its sheer size and unmatched beauty have cemented its place in history, becoming a symbol of luxury, power, and extraordinary craftsmanship.
History & Discovery
The Origins of The Cullinan Diamond
The Cullinan Diamond was first discovered on January 25, 1905, at the Premier Mine in Pretoria, South Africa, a region known for producing some of the world’s finest diamonds.
Miner Frederick Wells spotted the massive gemstone embedded 18 feet below the surface, initially mistaking it for a shard of glass due to its astonishing clarity and size. Upon realizing its true nature, he presented it to the mine’s owner, Thomas Cullinan, who had founded the Premier Mine several years earlier. In honor of his contributions to the diamond industry, the unprecedented gem was named the “Cullinan Diamond,” forever linking his legacy to one of the most remarkable discoveries in history.
Cullinan Diamond Size & Value
The Details of This Extraordinary Gemstone
To this day, the Cullinan remains the heaviest, largest, and most expensive diamond ever unearthed in jewelry history, standing as a testament to the wonders hidden beneath the Earth’s surface.
After its discovery, the gem quickly gained international attention, with experts marveling at its unparalleled size and exceptional clarity. In 1907, the Transvaal Colony government purchased the diamond for £150,000—a staggering sum at the time—intended as a gift for King Edward VII of the United Kingdom.
Weighing an extraordinary 3,106.75 carats in its rough form, the Cullinan’s value has only increased over time, and today, it is estimated to be worth a staggering $400 million, securing its place as one of the most legendary diamonds in history.
The Cullinan Diamond Cuts
Breaking Down the Pieces
The Cullinan Diamond was eventually cut into nine major stones, known as Cullinan I through IX, along with nearly 100 smaller diamonds, all masterfully shaped to preserve the gem’s exceptional clarity and brilliance.
The intricate cutting process took place in Amsterdam under the expertise of renowned diamond cutters at the Asscher Brothers firm, who studied the diamond for months before making the first critical cut. While most of the Cullinan diamonds remained in Amsterdam, Cullinan I, also known as the “Great Star of Africa,” and Cullinan II, the “Second Star of Africa,” were presented as royal gifts to Queen Mary.
These dazzling stones were later inherited by Queen Elizabeth II and have since become an integral part of the British Crown Jewels, adorning both the Sovereign’s Sceptre and the Imperial State Crown. Today, Queen Elizabeth II remains the official custodian of all nine Cullinan diamonds, each carrying a legacy of extraordinary craftsmanship and royal history.
A Legacy of Brilliance and Prestige
The Cullinan Diamond remains one of the most extraordinary gemstones ever discovered, not only for its sheer size and value but also for its historical significance. From its unearthing in South Africa to its transformation into dazzling royal treasures, its legacy continues to captivate gem enthusiasts and historians alike. As a symbol of prestige, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty, the Cullinan Diamond stands as a shining testament to the wonders of the natural world and the enduring allure of fine jewelry.
Resources:
- ¹Frederick Wells with the Culiinan Diamond via Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/
- ²Frederick Wells holding the Cullinan Diamond circa 1905 via Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/
- ³FQueen Mary wearing the Cullinan Diamonds via Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/
- The Cullinan Diamond Information: https://en.wikipedia.org/
Originally Published April 26, 2022, Updated and Revised February 6, 2025
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