Wissenswertes von Diamanten

From the largest rough diamond of 3106 carat ever found, the Cullinan (named after Sir Th. Cullinan, the Chairman of a mining company), Messrs. Asscher in Amsterdam in 1908 produced and cut 105 minor stones .

These were given consecutive Roman numerals. Thus the largest of them is called "Cullinan I." (it weighs 530.20 ct in the cut state, and is also known as "The Great Star of Africa" ); the subsequent, "Cullinan II.", "Cullinan III." and so on. These two are also called "Lesser Stars of Africa" .

The Cullinan I. adorns the sceptre of the British royal insignia. It is the largest cut diamond ever. The Cullinan II. has found its place in the British royal crown . Both are kept in the Tower of London and may be viewed there.