The discovery of the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond was nothing short of sensational. In its raw, unearthed form, this gem was the size of a human heart and possessed a quality so exceptionally rare that it immediately captured global attention. It was, without question, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found. The sheer magnitude and brilliance of the Cullinan sent waves of excitement and speculation across the globe. The world pondered: where would such a treasure be housed? Would it remain untouched in its natural state, or would it be cut and transformed? And if it were to be cut, who would be deemed worthy to wear such magnificent jewels?
The answers to these swirling questions surrounding the Cullinan diamond emerged in 1907. The government of South Africa’s Transvaal Colony, recognizing the immense significance of the stone, decided to purchase this extraordinary gem. In a gesture of goodwill and commemoration, they gifted the Cullinan to King Edward VII of Great Britain. This act served as both a birthday present for the King and a symbolic tribute to five years of peace between the two nations, following the conclusion of the Second Boer War in 1902. This pivotal moment marked the true beginning of the Cullinan diamond’s remarkable journey into history.
The first crucial step in this journey was transporting the Cullinan from the African continent to London, the heart of the British monarchy in Europe. With the international press and public alike keenly observing every development, the colonial government orchestrated an elaborate deception to ensure the diamond’s safe passage. A highly publicized decoy operation was set in motion, complete with armed guards and military personnel, creating a spectacle of a heavily secured transport destined for the British capital. However, the actual Cullinan diamond, the priceless heart-sized gem, was discreetly placed in a simple, ordinary parcel and sent via regular post to the London office of one of the mine’s associates. This ingenious tactic successfully diverted attention and ensured the diamond’s security through misdirection.
Upon the Cullinan‘s unceremonious arrival in London, King Edward VII immediately sought the expert counsel of Joseph Asscher, renowned for his mastery in diamond cutting. Initially, the King leaned towards preserving the Cullinan in its original, uncut form, appreciating its natural grandeur. However, Joseph Asscher passionately advocated for cutting and polishing the stone, assuring the monarch that he would personally oversee every intricate stage of this monumental undertaking. King Edward, swayed by Asscher’s expertise and vision, eventually conceded. He not only entrusted Joseph Asscher with the task of cutting the Cullinan, but also declared that this operation would be conducted for the exclusive benefit of the British Crown and the Royal Family’s esteemed jewelry collection. This royal decree undoubtedly added significant pressure to what was already an incredibly demanding endeavor for Asscher.
For Joseph Asscher to begin the complex process of cutting the Cullinan, the diamond had to embark on yet another journey – this time to Amsterdam, Netherlands. Amsterdam was, at that time, globally recognized as the epicenter of the diamond cutting and polishing industry, boasting unparalleled expertise and craftsmanship. Mirroring the elaborate ruse employed for its voyage from South Africa, the Cullinan‘s next leg of travel involved another carefully constructed deception. Amidst significant fanfare and public attention, a sealed box, purportedly containing the precious Cullinan, was ceremoniously placed aboard a Royal Navy ship. The vessel then promptly set sail across the North Sea towards The Netherlands, capturing the gaze of the world. However, as many might have suspected, the heavily guarded sealed box was completely empty, serving merely as a diversion.
While the decoy ship garnered public attention, Joseph’s brother, Abraham Asscher, was quietly making his own journey to Amsterdam aboard a separate passenger ship. Unlike the ostentatious decoy, Abraham traveled discreetly, carrying no luggage. His only companion was a heavy coat, necessary for the North Sea voyage. Within one of the deep pockets of Abraham’s coat, carefully concealed and taking up slightly less space than the other, lay the true treasure: the human heart-sized uncut Cullinan diamond, the subject of global fascination.
Abraham Asscher and the genuine Cullinan diamond arrived safely at Tolstraat 127 in Amsterdam. This address marked the headquarters and primary cutting factory of the esteemed Asscher Diamond Company. The Asscher family, acknowledging the intense public and media interest, promptly invited the press to their facility. They showcased the breathtaking uncut marvel, the Cullinan, effectively satiating the relentless inquiries and confirming the diamond’s whereabouts. However, managing the press was the least of the Asscher family’s concerns. They were deeply engrossed in meticulously planning what would become the most intricate and high-stakes diamond-cutting operation in both their company’s history and the annals of the craft itself. The weight of history, and the world’s largest diamond, rested on their shoulders.
According to the meticulous calculations of the Asscher Diamond Company, the colossal Cullinan could potentially be cleaved into two principal pieces. From these major sections, a collection of smaller, yet still significant, stones could then be expertly cut. However, anyone familiar with the delicate and unforgiving nature of diamond cutting understands the immense risk involved. A single, minute miscalculation or error could have catastrophic consequences, potentially causing the entire priceless rock to shatter into worthless fragments. Recognizing the unprecedented scale and complexity of this task, Joseph Asscher commissioned the creation of entirely new, specialized tools. He concluded that a diamond of the Cullinan‘s extraordinary size and density demanded equipment that was custom-designed and engineered to minimize the inherent risks. As soon as these bespoke tools were meticulously crafted and ready, Joseph Asscher commenced the painstaking work. He dedicated the entire following month to the incredibly delicate and precise process of creating an incision on the Cullinan. This groove, intended to guide the cleaving process, was just one centimeter deep, a testament to the patience and precision required. Finally, on the 10th of February, 1908, after weeks of preparation, Joseph Asscher deemed himself ready to attempt to cleave the world’s largest rough diamond.
On the momentous day of the first cleaving attempt, Asscher’s atelier was overflowing with a diverse assembly of press representatives, official notaries, and eager spectators. All had gathered to witness history in the making: the world’s most celebrated diamond cutter attempting to split the world’s most magnificent uncut stone. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, and perhaps a touch of apprehension. The stakes were incredibly high; success would be legendary, failure could be catastrophic, potentially reducing the Cullinan to fragments of little value.
The pressure on Joseph Asscher was immense as the moment of truth arrived. He positioned the specially crafted splitting knife precisely within the meticulously prepared two-centimeter incision on the Cullinan‘s surface. With resolute focus and an almighty swing, he brought the hammer down upon the knife, striking with significant force. An immediate, sharp breaking sound reverberated through the atelier. But, to everyone’s astonishment, it was not the sound of the diamond yielding. Alas, the sound was the distinct crack of the splitting knife itself, which had broken under the immense pressure. The Cullinan, the world’s largest uncut diamond, remained stubbornly intact, reaffirming its legendary reputation as the hardest material known on the planet.
The force of the blow caused Joseph Asscher to recoil backward, a dramatic moment witnessed by the stunned onlookers. In the aftermath of this failed attempt, a myth began to circulate, embellishing the event. The myth recounted how the sheer, indomitable strength of the Cullinan had overwhelmed even the greatest diamond cutter of his era, rendering him unconscious upon his defeat. Years later, when Joseph’s nephew, Louis Asscher, was asked about this dramatic tale, he vehemently dismissed it. “No! Asscher would ever faint over an operation on a diamond,” Louis exclaimed, debunking the myth. He added with a touch of humor, “Though perhaps the champagne got to Uncle Joe on the day he successfully cleaved it.”
Undeterred by the initial setback, Joseph Asscher returned to his workbench just four days after the first attempt, armed with newly forged, even more robust tools. Equipped with larger knives and heavier blades, and opting for a more private setting, the second attempt at cleaving the Cullinan commenced. This time, the thronging press battalion was absent, with only a singular public notary present to officially witness the proceedings. With renewed focus and determination, Joseph Asscher positioned the new knife firmly within the groove. He deftly struck it once more, and this time, the remarkable, unyielding Cullinan finally yielded, splitting cleanly into two distinct pieces.
From this initial, successful division, Asscher skillfully executed his plan to create nine large, significant stones that would ultimately become integral components of The Crown Jewels of Great Britain. In addition to these major stones, ninety-six smaller brilliant-cut stones were also derived from the Cullinan. These smaller stones were retained by the Asscher Diamond Company as their compensation for undertaking the complex and demanding cutting process.
The largest of the nine major stones, born from the Cullinan, was designated Cullinan I, and later became famously known as the ‘Great Star of Africa’. This monumental stone was entrusted to Henri Koe, a highly experienced and respected 20-year veteran of the Royal Asscher Diamond Company, and the firm’s Chief Polisher. On the 2nd of March 1908, Koe commenced the meticulous and painstaking work of polishing Cullinan I. He dedicated the next six months to finessing and perfecting the stone. By May of the following year, Koe, joined by four additional expert polishers, began the equally demanding task of polishing the second largest stone, Cullinan II. Each polisher worked tirelessly, putting in fourteen-hour days to bring out the full brilliance of these exceptional diamonds. By November, Cullinan II was finally completed, ready to be presented to King Edward VII. Upon beholding the dazzling, finished gems, King Edward VII was immediately captivated. He christened them the ‘Great Star of Africa’ (Cullinan I) and the ‘Smaller Star of Africa’ (Cullinan II). The monarch then decreed that the ‘Great Star of Africa’ be set in the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, a symbol of royal authority, and the ‘Smaller Star of Africa’ be placed at the very front and center of the Imperial State Crown itself, a breathtaking centerpiece of regal power.
The Final Cullinan Suite:
Cullinan I: Known as the ‘Great Star of Africa’, this is the largest of all the diamonds cut from the original Cullinan. It boasts an impressive weight of 530.2 carats and is expertly cut with 74 facets, designed to maximize its brilliance. In a lasting tribute to this magnificent stone, all four of the Royal Asscher Diamonds’ signature diamond cuts today feature 74 facets, a direct homage to the Cullinan I.
Cullinan II: The ‘Smaller Star of Africa’ holds a place of immense prestige, positioned at the very front and center of Great Britain’s Imperial State Crown. It is set alongside a dazzling array of other historic and precious gems, including the Stuart Sapphire, St. Edward’s Sapphire, the Black Prince’s Ruby, as well as 2,868 additional brilliant-cut diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 269 pearls, creating a breathtaking display of royal wealth and history.
Cullinan III: While perhaps not as widely recognized as Cullinan I or II, Cullinan III possesses its own unique and fascinating history. This pear-cut diamond weighs 94.4 carats (18.88 grams) and is rumored to have been Queen Mary’s personal favorite within the collection. Known for her inventive approach to jewelry, Queen Mary initially had Cullinan III and IV set into her coronation crown, and later repurposed them for the Delhi Durbar tiara. In modern times, the diamond has found a permanent setting on a brooch worn frequently by Queen Elizabeth II, often displayed alongside Cullinan IV. Adding a personal touch to the Cullinan story, during an official state visit to the Netherlands in 1958, Queen Elizabeth II made a point of visiting Tolstraat 127 in Amsterdam to meet with Louis Asscher, brother of Joseph Asscher. During this poignant meeting, Her Majesty, holding the diamonds, said to Mr. Asscher, “Here, Mr. Asscher, you can take them in your hands. You held them in your hands before!” Despite his advanced age and failing eyesight, Louis Asscher immediately recognized the legendary diamond upon holding it once more, deeply moved by the Monarch’s gracious gesture.
Cullinan IV: A square-cut diamond weighing 63.6 carats (12.72 grams), Cullinan IV shares a place of honor alongside its sister diamond, Cullinan III, as part of Queen Mary’s private collection of jewels. These two diamonds were affectionately nicknamed “Granny’s chips” by the Monarch, reflecting a personal fondness.
Cullinan V: An exceptionally romantic heart-shaped diamond, Cullinan V weighs 18.8 carats (3.76 grams). It is set within an intricately designed platinum and diamond brooch, originally created for Queen Mary. This unique brooch, specifically crafted to showcase the unusual heart shape of the diamond, has become a cherished piece and is now one of Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite jewels, inherited from Queen Mary in 1953.
Cullinan VI: The Cullinan VI is a marquise-cut diamond of 11.5 carats. It is typically worn in conjunction with Cullinan VII. However, Cullinan VI makes fewer public appearances compared to the more frequently seen Cullinan V brooch. This relative rarity only serves to make each public outing of Cullinan VI all the more anticipated and exciting.
Cullinan VII: Similar to Cullinan VI, Cullinan VII is also a marquise-cut diamond. It weighs 8.8 carats and is featured as a pendant, set alongside nine exquisite emeralds, on the grand Delhi Durbar necklace. This magnificent necklace was originally commissioned by Queen Mary for the Court of Delhi. Historically, the Duchess of Cambridge was also known to have owned and worn this exceptional item.
Cullinan VIII: Britain’s esteemed Crown Jeweler, the House of Garrad, had the distinguished honor of setting Cullinan VIII. This emerald-cut diamond weighs 6.8 carats (1.36 grams). Set in platinum, Cullinan VIII was designed to be versatile, functioning both as a brooch, often worn alongside Cullinan VII, and as a stomacher, an ornamental piece that forms part of the Delhi Durbar parure, a suite of matching jewelry.
Cullinan IX: Last, but certainly not least in significance, is Cullinan IX. This pendeloque, or ‘stepped pear-cut’ stone, weighs 4.39 carats. It is elegantly set in a platinum ring, a piece created by the House of Garrard in 1911. Each of these nine major stones, derived from the original Cullinan, represents a chapter in the ongoing and captivating story of this legendary diamond and its enduring place within the British Crown Jewels.
