What is the Cullinan diamond, and why is it historically significant?

• A. The Cullinan was a 500-carat polished diamond; used as modern fashion jewelry; discovered in Russia.
• B. The Cullinan was a 3,106-carat rough diamond discovered in 1905 in South Africa; cut into several stones, including Cullinan I (Great Star of Africa) and Cullinan II, forming part of the British Crown Jewels.
• C. The Cullinan was a synthetic diamond used for industrial cutting; discovered in 1980s.
• D. The Cullinan was a 10-carat gem known as the Star of India.

Answer: (B)

The Cullinan diamond is famous because a single enormous rough gem from South Africa was transformed into a set of iconic stones that anchor the British Crown Jewels and symbolize a turning point in diamond cutting and imperial history. Discovered in 1905 at the Premier Mine near Pretoria, it weighed 3,106 carats in its rough form—the largest gem-quality diamond ever found. After being presented to King Edward VII, the crystal was cut in Amsterdam into nine major stones and many smaller ones. The two largest, Cullinan I (the Great Star of Africa) and Cullinan II (the Lesser Star of Africa), became crown jewels: Cullinan I is set in the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, and Cullinan II in the Imperial State Crown. This transformation from a single colossal rough into globally celebrated gems, and their place in royal regalia, marks its historic significance.