There is a wide variety of gems and precious stones, however there is one that enchants for its value and beauty, that is undoubtedly the impressive Star of Africa diamond, a jewel that steals the attention of the whole world for its brillianceshowiness and importance to British royalty.
This beautiful diamond was discovered by the area manager of the Cullian Premier Mines in 1905 and It is considered the second largest in the world.was presented in the rough to King Edward VII of England, weighing 3,106 carats, equivalent to 621 grams, and was cut into 105 pieces by the well-known royal lapidary, Joseph Asscher.
In principle, the South African government decided to buy the valuable diamond and give it to its King as a birthday present, as a symbol of the colony’s loyalty to the British Empire, after a great debate they decided to cut it. In this task, the Dutchman Asscher used special tools suitable for this large diamondwhich were created in order to section the stone.
The first cut was made under the supervision of royalty, who were impressed to see how the first blade with which it was intended to fragment the gem was broken, said mineral was broken into two large pieces, then these two parts were taken to seven larger stones and finally in ninety-eight small stones in the shape of small diamonds.
At the end of all this process, the impressive Star of Africa diamond weighed more than 530 carats, It was the largest polished diamond, cut in a pear shape with 74 facets., thus being the most cut and faceted diamond in the world. At that time it was placed in the scepter of the monarch; today it is exhibited in the Tower of London, as part of the crown jewels.
The second cut was called the Lesser Star of Africa, weighing 317.4 carats, cut in the shape of a cushion and mounted at the bottom of the queen mother’s crown, that of the Imperial State. Y the third Cullinan, also cut in the shape of a pear, with 92 carats was mounted on the crown of Queen Elizabeth, next to the other famous diamond Koh-i-Noor.
Definitely a diamond with an incredible history and incomparable beauty, undoubtedly the world of gems and jewelry is very exciting, however the diamond in any presentation has always stood out above the rest. All diamonds have their history, usually romantic, but over the years some have gained worldwide recognition and have become the most famous, some for their size and weight, others for their color, others for their secrets, but it will be very difficult for anyone to surpass the impressive Star of Africa diamondthat which will be for ever and ever the most special of all jewels, a royal treasure, the darling of England.