Centenary

Historical Perspective:  The discovery of this original gem was made in 1986 in the Premier Mine of South Africa.  Also, the discovery site of The Cullinan.  It was unveiled at the 100 year anniversary gala of De Beers in 1988 after having been crafted into its current cut appearance by Gabi Tolkowsky.   Regarded as one of the most accomplished diamond cutters in the world, his family had long


been in the diamond trade.  It was his great-uncle, Marcel Tolkowsky, diamond expert and mathematician, who authored the publicationDiamond Design in 1919 that is still today's basis for round brilliant diamond cuts

Cullinan II (Lesser Star of Africa)

Historical Perspective: Cullinan II, also referred to as the Lesser Star of Africa, is the third largest known cut diamond in existence. It is part of The Cullinan which was a massive 3,106 carats (uncut) diamond discovered in the Premier Mine of South Africa in 1905.  This diamond was ultimately cleaved into 9 large pieces of which the Cullinan I and II are the largest. The stone is set in Queen Elizabeth II's Imperial State Crown of Great Britain

Cullinan I (Greater Star of Africa)

Historical Perspective: Cullinan I, also referred to as the Greater Star of Africa, is the second largest known cut diamond in existence.  It is actually part of The Cullinan which was a massive 3,106 carats (uncut) diamond discovered in the Premier Mine of South Africa in 1905.  This diamond was ultimately cleaved into 9 large pieces of which the Cullinan I and II are the largest. The stone is set in the Royal Scepter and is part of the British Royal Jewelry Collection

Kohinoor (The famous Diamond)

Historical Perspective: Kohinoor means "mountain of light" and it was thought that whoever possessed it would rule the world.  It is regarded as one of the most famous diamonds in history.  The British empire took possession of this gem in 1849 during its conquest of India and it was presented to Queen Victoria in 1850.  Today is remains part of the Royal Crown jewels, but not without controversy as to why it has not been returned to India (The World's Most Sought After Diamond).The stone is set in the Maltese Cross at the front of the crown made for Queen Elizabeth (the late Queen Mother).