Cullinan diamond is cut into two

Date: 5 Nov 1908
Updated: 30 Sep 2019

The Cullinan diamond was cut into two big stones, The Star of Africa and the Cullinan 2, as well as seven fairly big stones and ninety-six small stones. The cutting of the diamond was a major event. It took experts about three months to decide on how to cut it and what shape to give the finished gems. The Cullinan diamond ultimately yielded 9 major stones, 96 brilliant cut diamonds, and 9.50 carats of unpolished pieces. The largest stone cut from the Cullinan, the 530.20-carat Star of Africa, was set into the British royal sceptre. The other gems from the Cullinan eventually became part of other jewellery belonging to the royal family.

Search events by date

What happened on your birthday?

How we know this

01Wallis, F. (2000). Nuusdagboek: feite en fratse oor 1000 jaar, Kaapstad: Human & Rousseau.
02Cullinan Diamonds Heritage [online] Available at: www.cullinandiamonds.co.za [Accessed on 5 November 2013]

Last updated · 30 Sep 2019

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2011, March 16). Cullinan diamond is cut into two. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011318

South African History Online (2011) 'Cullinan diamond is cut into two', South African History Online, 16 March. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011318 (Accessed: 23 July 2026).

South African History Online, Cullinan diamond is cut into two [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011318, (accessed 23 July 2026).

"Cullinan diamond is cut into two." South African History Online, 16 Mar. 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011318. Accessed 23 July 2026.

South African History Online. "Cullinan diamond is cut into two." South African History Online. March 16, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011318.