The Great Star of Africa: A Dazzling Tale of History, Controversy, and Unparalleled Brilliance
The world of diamonds holds an undeniable allure, a captivating blend of rarity, beauty, and historical significance. Among the most celebrated of these precious stones, the Cullinan I, more commonly known as the Great Star of Africa, stands as a testament to the sheer power and magnificence of nature. This colossal diamond, part of the British Crown Jewels, has a story as multifaceted as its brilliant cuts, a narrative interwoven with discovery, controversy, and enduring fascination.
From Humble Beginnings: The Discovery of a Colossus
On January 26, 1905, in the Premier Mine near Pretoria, South Africa, a mine superintendent named Frederick Wells made an astonishing discovery. Sparkling in the late afternoon sun, embedded in the mine’s wall, was an immense diamond crystal. It was the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, weighing a staggering 3,106.75 carats (621.35 grams).
The diamond was named Cullinan after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the mine’s owner. Its sheer size and clarity were unprecedented, instantly capturing the world’s imagination. The rough stone, with its bluish-white hue, was described as having exceptional purity and a distinctive internal flaw, a dark spot that would later pose a significant challenge to its cutters.
A Gift of Empire: From South Africa to the British Monarchy
The Transvaal Colony government, then under British rule, decided to present the Cullinan diamond to King Edward VII as a gesture of loyalty and reconciliation following the Second Boer War. This decision, however, was not without controversy. Many South Africans felt the diamond, a natural treasure of their land, should have remained within the country.
In 1907, the Cullinan diamond was officially presented to King Edward VII, who entrusted its cutting to the renowned Asscher brothers of Amsterdam, considered the world’s finest diamond cutters.
The Art of Cleaving: Transforming a Giant
The task of cleaving the Cullinan diamond was a monumental undertaking, requiring meticulous planning and exceptional skill. Joseph Asscher, the head of the firm, spent months studying the rough stone, meticulously mapping its internal structure and identifying the optimal cleaving points.
The initial cleaving, a moment of high tension, was performed on February 10, 1908. Asscher placed a custom-made steel blade against the diamond and struck it with a heavy blow. The blade broke, but so did the diamond, splitting along the intended line. Legend has it that Asscher fainted from the stress.
The rough diamond was then further cleaved into nine major stones and numerous smaller fragments. These nine stones, each a masterpiece in its own right, were numbered Cullinan I through IX.
The Great Star of Africa: A Crown Jewel of Unmatched Brilliance
The largest of the nine, Cullinan I, became known as the Great Star of Africa. It is a pear-shaped diamond weighing 530.2 carats (106.04 grams), with 74 facets. At the time of its cutting, it was the largest polished diamond in the world, a title it held for many years.
The Great Star of Africa was set into the British Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, a prominent piece of the Crown Jewels. Its brilliance and size make it a focal point of the sceptre, a symbol of royal authority and power.
A Legacy of Light: The Other Cullinan Diamonds
The other major stones cut from the Cullinan diamond also found their place within the British Crown Jewels or were privately owned by the royal family:
- Cullinan II: Known as the Lesser Star of Africa, a cushion-cut diamond weighing 317.4 carats, set into the Imperial State Crown.
- Cullinan III: A pear-shaped diamond weighing 94.4 carats, often worn as a pendant.
- Cullinan IV: A cushion-cut diamond weighing 63.6 carats, also often worn as a pendant.
- Cullinan V-IX: Smaller but equally exquisite diamonds, set into various pieces of jewelry.
The Controversy Continues: A Call for Repatriation
The Great Star of Africa’s journey from South African mine to British Crown Jewel has been a subject of ongoing debate. In recent years, calls for the diamond’s repatriation have grown louder, reflecting a broader movement for the return of colonial-era artifacts.
Many South Africans argue that the diamond is a symbol of colonial exploitation and that it rightfully belongs to the people of South Africa. They believe its return would be a powerful gesture of reconciliation and a recognition of the country’s cultural heritage.
The debate surrounding the Cullinan diamond raises complex questions about ownership, history, and the legacy of colonialism. It highlights the ongoing struggle to reconcile the past with the present and to address the injustices of historical power imbalances.
The Enduring Fascination: A Diamond of Legend
Despite the controversy, the Great Star of Africa remains a source of fascination and wonder. Its sheer size, brilliance, and historical significance continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
The diamond’s story is a testament to the power of nature, the skill of human craftsmanship, and the enduring allure of precious stones. It is a reminder of the complex and often turbulent history that has shaped our world.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Great Star of Africa
1. What was the original size of the Cullinan diamond when it was first discovered?
When it was found in the Premier Mine in 1905, the Cullinan was the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered. It weighed a massive 3,106.75 carats (approximately 621 grams), roughly the size of a human fist.
2. How did the diamond make its way from South Africa to the British Royal Family?
The diamond was purchased by the Transvaal Colony government. In 1907, they decided to present it to King Edward VII as a gesture of loyalty and reconciliation following the Second Boer War. This remains a point of historical debate, as many feel the stone should have remained in its country of origin.
3. Is it true that the diamond cutter fainted during the process?
Legend says yes. Joseph Asscher, the master cutter tasked with cleaving the giant stone, spent months studying it. When he finally struck the first blow in 1908, the steel blade actually broke. He successfully split the diamond on the second attempt, and the legend claims he fainted from the immense pressure and exhaustion of the moment.
4. Where can the “Great Star of Africa” be seen today?
The largest cut from the original stone, the Cullinan I (Great Star of Africa), is currently set into the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross. It is part of the British Crown Jewels and is typically on public display in the Jewel House at the Tower of London.
5. Why is there a modern movement to have the diamond returned to South Africa?
The diamond’s journey is seen by many as a symbol of colonial exploitation. Critics argue that the stone was “gifted” under British colonial rule without the true consent of the South African people. As part of a global movement to repatriate colonial-era artifacts, there are ongoing calls for the diamond to be returned to South Africa as a gesture of historical justice.