Mr Asscher using the hammer for the first operation on the Cullinan Diamond

After weeks of preparation, Joseph Asscher – the most skilful cleaver in the Asscher firm - clamped the Cullinan Diamond into a specially made holder. He inserted a cleavage knife into a carefully-prepared groove, and then struck the knife with a heavy steel rod, successfully splitting the stone on the second attempt. This method had been chosen since using a saw to cut the diamond was deemed too risky – it might have bent during the procedure and so produced an uneven line.