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A silver and gold-lined diadem with an openwork frame set transparent with diamonds; narrow band edged with pearls, surmounted by four crosses-pattée, the front cross set with a pale yellow brilliant, and four sprays representing the national emble
Diamonds in the Royal Collection

Diamond-mounted works of art in the Royal Collection

UNKNOWN PERSON

The Cullinan Diamond

RCIN 2800279

The magnificent Cullinan Diamond – the largest ever found – was discovered near Pretoria in South Africa on 26 January 1905. In its uncut state, it weighed 3,106 metric carats and boasted a size of 10.1 x 6.35 x 5.9 cm. This scale, coupled with its extraordinary blue-white colour and exceptional clarity, made it the most celebrated diamond in the world. It was presented to King Edward VII in 1907 by the Government of the Transvaal, as a symbolic gesture to heal the rift between Britain and South Africa following the Boer War.  Over eight months, three men worked for 14 hours a day to cut and polish nine large stones from the original diamond. Today, stones I and II are incorporated into the Crown Jewels, set in the Sovereign's Sceptre and Imperial State Crown respectively.


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.