The Cullinan Diamond was discovered in Transvaal, South Africa in 1905 and presented as a birthday gift to Edward VII of England (r. 1901-1910) by the Transvaal Government. It weighed well over 3,000 carats, making it the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found. When discovered, it was valued at over $21 million dollars in today's money.
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Definition
Timeline
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26 Jan 1905The Cullinan diamond is discovered in Transvaal, South Africa.
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9 Nov 1907The Cullian diamond is presented to Edward VII of England for his 66th birthday.
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Feb 1908 - Nov 1908Joseph Asscher and Company of Amsterdam cut the Cullinan diamond into 9 large stones and 96 smaller gems.
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21 Nov 1908The Cullinan I and II diamonds are presented to Edward VII.
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1910The Cullinan II diamond is set into the Imperial State Crown of the British Crown Jewels.
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1910The South African government presents the Cullinan III-IX diamonds to Queen Mary, consort of George V.
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1911The Cullinan I diamond is added to the Sovereign's Sceptre of the British Crown Jewels.
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1953Queen Mary, consort of George V, bequeaths the Cullinan diamonds III-IX to Elizabeth II.