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The Greater Gems in the Jewel House: Pretoria in South Africa

The question is often asked: "What is the value of this stone?" And the answer may safely be given that it is priceless, for no amount of money can buy it. THE STAR OF AFRICA The Star of Africa when found weighed 3,025 carats or roughly one and a half pounds. It was four inches long, two and a quarter inches broad, and two and a half inches deep. The base was perfectly flat and smooth as if cut with a knife, clearly demonstrating that the diamond, huge as it was, is only a portion of a still larger stone. It was found in the year 1905, in the Premier Mine, near Pretoria in South Africa, Mr. T. M. Cullinan being at that period one of the chief officials of the mine. Hence it was then, and is even now often spoken of as, the "Cullinan diamond." It was bought by the Union Government of South Africa, and presented to Edward VII. to be added to the crown jewels of the empire. The rough diamond was cut into four great brilliants and many smaller ones, the work being entrusted to Amsterdam cutters. The largest portion is drop-shaped, weighs five hundred and sixteen and a half carats, and measures two and five-sixteenth inches in length, and one and thirteen-sixteenth at its broadest part, without doubt the largest diamond in the world. It is set in the head of the King's sceptre.† The second largest portion is nearly round in shape, being one and thirteen-sixteenth * See p. 16. † See p. 27.