The Cullinan Diamond is the largest gem-grade diamond ever discovered in known existence. The 3,106.75 carat diamond was discovered in 1905 by the superintendent of the "Premiere Mine" in South Africa by Mr. Frederick Wells during a routine inspection. The story goes:
Mr. Frederick Wells states that his attention was drawn to something reflecting rays of the setting sun. Curious, he paused for a closer look. He was eighteen feet below the surface of the earth, and the shiny object was on the steep wall of the mine just a few feet above him. Mr. Wells quickly scaled the wall and extracted what looked to be a large diamond crystal. At first, he thought he was being fooled by a large piece of glass, but tests proved it to be the largest gem-quality diamond ever discovered. It weighed about 1⅓ pounds with a carat weight of 3,106 tcw. It was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, who opened the mine and had been visiting on that eventful day.
The diamond was presented to King Edward VII on his 66th birthday (November 9th,1907). The king then had it cut up into pieces by Asscher's Diamond Co. in Amsterdam. It produced 9 large pieces, and over 96 smaller pieces. All of which were mounted, and made into jewelry and ornamentation for the royal family. The largest of the 9: the "Cullinan I" was placed on the Sovereign Royal Scepter. The 2nd largest: the "Cullinan II" was placed on the Imperial State Crown. The 3rd largest: the "Cullinan III" was placed on Queen Mary's crown, and can be worn with the "Cullinan IV" as a pendant-brooch. The rest of the diamonds have been worn as different pieces by members of the British royal family throughout the years.
People are still in search of a larger diamond, but to date there have been only false alarms and scams. Maybe there is one out there somewhere. After all who just gives away their largest diamond?