Star of Africa: Ben Hope 13 Diamond - The Largest Gem-Quality Diamond Ever Found

The Star of Africa, also known as the Cullinan I, is the largest gem-quality diamond ever found. It was discovered in 1905 at the Premier No. 2 mine in Cullinan, South Africa. The rough diamond weighed 3,106.75 carats (621.35 grams) and was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the chairman of the Premier Mining Company.

Star of Africa (Ben Hope, Book 13)

by Scott Mariani

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1572 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	347 pages

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The Star of Africa was cut into nine large stones and 96 smaller brilliant-cut diamonds. The largest of the nine stones, known as the Cullinan I, weighs 530.20 carats (106.04 grams) and is the largest cut diamond in the world. It is currently set in the Sovereign's Sceptre, one of the British Crown Jewels.

The other eight large stones from the Star of Africa are also set in the British Crown Jewels. They are:

• Cullinan II (317.40 carats) - set in the Imperial State Crown
• Cullinan III (94.40 carats) - set in the Imperial State Crown
• Cullinan IV (63.60 carats) - set in the Sovereign's Sceptre
• Cullinan V (45.52 carats) - set in the Imperial State Crown
• Cullinan VI (30.90 carats) - set in the Imperial State Crown
• Cullinan VII (24.60 carats) - set in the Imperial State Crown
• Cullinan VIII (18.80 carats) - set in the Cullinan Pendant Brooch
• Cullinan IX (11.50 carats) - set in the Cullinan Necklace

The Star of Africa is one of the most famous and valuable diamonds in the world. It is a symbol of British royalty and is estimated to be worth over $400 million.

The Discovery of the Star of Africa

The Star of Africa was discovered on January 25, 1905, by Frederick Wells, the superintendent of the Premier No. 2 mine in Cullinan, South Africa. Wells was inspecting the mine's washing plant when he noticed a large, rough diamond in the conveyor belt. He picked up the diamond and took it to the mine's manager, who immediately recognized its significance.

The discovery of the Star of Africa was a major event in the diamond industry. It was the largest diamond ever found at the time, and it quickly became one of the most famous and valuable diamonds in the world.

The Cutting of the Star of Africa

After the Star of Africa was discovered, it was sent to London to be cut and polished. The cutting process was supervised by Asscher Brothers, a renowned diamond cutting firm. The rough diamond was first cleaved into two large pieces. The larger piece was then cut into the Cullinan I, the largest cut diamond in the world. The smaller piece was cut into the other eight large stones that are now set in the British Crown Jewels.

The cutting of the Star of Africa was a complex and delicate process. It took over two years to complete, and the resulting diamonds are considered to be some of the finest examples of diamond cutting in the world.

The Star of Africa Today

The Star of Africa is one of the most famous and valuable diamonds in the world. It is a symbol of British royalty and is estimated to be worth over $400 million.

The Star of Africa is currently set in the Sovereign's Sceptre, one of the British Crown Jewels. It is used in the coronation ceremony of each new British monarch.

The Star of Africa is a magnificent diamond that is truly a wonder of the world. It is a symbol of British royalty and is one of the most valuable and famous diamonds in the world.

Additional Information

• The Star of Africa is also known as the Cullinan I because it was the first diamond cut from the rough diamond that was found at the Premier No. 2 mine.
• The rough diamond that produced the Star of Africa was originally thought to weigh 3,600 carats, but it was later found to weigh 3,106.75 carats.
• The Star of Africa is the largest gem-quality diamond ever found, but it is not the largest diamond ever found. The largest diamond ever found is the Cullinan Diamond, which weighed 3,106.75 carats in its rough state.
• The Star of Africa is set in the Sovereign's Sceptre, which is one of the British Crown Jewels. The Sovereign's Sceptre is used in the coronation ceremony of each new British monarch.
• The Star of Africa is estimated to be worth over $400 million.

The Star of Africa is a magnificent diamond that is truly a wonder of the world. It is a symbol of British royalty and is one of the most valuable and famous diamonds in the world.

Star of Africa (Ben Hope, Book 13)

by Scott Mariani

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1572 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	347 pages

FREE