The annals of gemology record few events as momentous as the discovery of the Cullinan rough diamond in 1905, a geological anomaly that redefined the limits of diamond size and purity. Among the legendary progeny of this massive crystal, the Cullinan II diamond stands as a paragon of royal brilliance and technical mastery. Known colloquially as the Second Star of Africa or the Smaller Star of Africa, the Cullinan II is not merely a gemstone but a geopolitical symbol of the British Empire's historical reach and a masterpiece of the Asscher diamond cutting tradition. To understand the Cullinan II is to understand the broader narrative of the original 3,106-carat rough, a colorless stone found at the Premier Mine in South Africa, which served as the raw material for nine principal gems and approximately one hundred smaller stones. The Cullinan II represents the second-largest portion of this singular geological event, acting as a companion to the massive Cullinan I while maintaining a distinct identity through its specific cut and strategic placement within the British regalia.
Geological Origins and the Cullinan Legacy
The existence of the Cullinan II is inextricably linked to the discovery of the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever recorded. On January 26, 1905, at the Premier Mine in Transvaal, modern-day South Africa, a rough crystal weighing 3,106 carats (approximately 621 grams) was unearthed. This monumental stone was named after Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the mine who had discovered the site three years prior. The sheer scale of the rough diamond presented an unprecedented challenge to the gemological community of the early 20th century, as the internal stresses of such a massive crystal often lead to shattering during the cleavage process.
The Transvaal government initially purchased the rough stone, subsequently presenting it in 1907 to King Edward VII. This act of diplomacy and gift-giving transitioned the stone from a mineral specimen to a royal asset. The subsequent processing of the stone was entrusted to I.J. Asscher and Company of Amsterdam, a firm already renowned for their work on the Excelsior diamond in 1904. Under the guidance of master diamond cutter Joseph Asscher, the rough was meticulously divided. The resulting Cullinan II emerged as one of the primary cuts, characterized by its flawless clarity and substantial carat weight.
Technical Specifications and Gemological Properties
The Cullinan II is defined by its exceptional physical and optical properties. While the Cullinan I is larger, the Cullinan II possesses a specific aesthetic and structural utility that has made it a cornerstone of the Imperial State Crown.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Cullinan II (The Second Star of Africa) |
| Carat Weight | 317.40 Carats |
| Color | Colorless |
| Clarity | Flawless |
| Cut Style | Cushion Cut |
| Estimated Value | $150 Million to $207 Million |
| Primary Setting | Imperial State Crown |
The cushion cut of the Cullinan II is a critical design choice. By employing a cushion cut—which blends the sharp corners of a square cut with the rounded edges of a brilliant cut—the cutters were able to maximize the stone's brilliance while maintaining a significant portion of the original rough's mass. This specific geometry ensures that light is reflected with maximum intensity, contributing to its "commanding presence" during state ceremonies.
Integration into the British Regalia
The placement of the Cullinan II is as significant as its geological value. It is primarily set into the Imperial State Crown, positioned strategically below the Prince’s Ruby. It is an interesting historical and gemological footnote that the "Prince's Ruby" is actually a red spinel, highlighting the era's nomenclature where red spinels were often categorized as rubies.
The diamond's position in the crown ensures it is one of the most visible and recognizable gemstones in the world. It has been worn during the most pivotal moments of British history, including the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and the coronation of King Charles III in 2023. This placement is not merely aesthetic; it serves as a visual representation of the monarch's power and the wealth of the crown's historic acquisitions.
Beyond its fixed position in the crown, the Cullinan II is designed for versatility. The stone is removable, allowing it to be transitioned from the crown into other jewelry configurations. Most notably, it can be paired with the Cullinan I (the Great Star of Africa) to be worn as a brooch. This specific pairing was a preferred style of Queen Mary, who utilized the two largest Cullinan stones together to create a singular, overwhelming display of diamond brilliance.
Comparative Analysis within the Cullinan Series
To fully appreciate the Cullinan II, it must be viewed in the context of its siblings. The original 3,106-carat rough was divided into nine principal stones, each with varying weights and destinations.
- Cullinan I (The Great Star of Africa): Weighing 530.2 carats, this pear-shaped diamond is the largest of the group and is set into the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross.
- Cullinan II (The Second Star of Africa): Weighing 317.4 carats, as detailed, it serves as the primary ornament of the Imperial State Crown.
- Cullinan III (The Lesser Star of Africa): A 94.4-carat pear-shaped diamond, originally in Queen Mary's coronation crown and later a pendant in the Coronation Necklace.
- Cullinan IV: A 63.6-carat stone located in the base of the crown, situated below the Koh-i-Noor Diamond.
- Cullinan V: An 18.8-carat heart-shaped diamond known as the Heart of the Delhi Durbar Brooch.
- Cullinan VI through IX: These stones, along with the others, eventually became part of the royal family's private collection.
The Cullinan II occupies a unique middle ground: it lacks the sheer magnitude of the Cullinan I but possesses more prominence and value than the "Lesser Stars" (III through IX). While the Cullinan I is the world's largest colorless cut diamond, the Cullinan II is frequently cited as one of the most valuable stones in the Imperial State Crown due to its size, flawless quality, and the prestige of its setting.
Ownership, Provenance, and Valuation
The chain of custody for the Cullinan II is a testament to royal succession and strategic bequest. After the initial gift to King Edward VII, the stones were processed and distributed. While the South African government purchased the remaining Cullinan diamonds to present to Queen Mary in 1910, there was a notable exception: the Cullinan VI, which King Edward VII purchased personally from Asscher to gift to Queen Alexandra.
The ultimate consolidation of the Cullinan legacy occurred through the will of Queen Alexandra, who bequeathed her Cullinan diamonds to her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953. This act ensured that the fragments of the world's largest diamond remained unified within the royal family's holdings rather than being dispersed.
Valuation of the Cullinan II is a complex matter because the stone has never been sold on the open market. In the world of high jewelry, "market value" is theoretical for stones of this magnitude. Expert estimates place the value of the Cullinan II between $150 million and $207 million. This valuation is driven by three primary factors: 1. The rarity of a flawless diamond exceeding 300 carats. 2. The historical provenance associated with the British Monarchy. 3. The scarcity of colorless diamonds of this size, as most large diamonds possess a yellow or brownish tint.
The Technical Achievement of the Asscher Cut
The transformation of the Cullinan rough into the Cullinan II was not merely a process of cutting but an act of high-stakes engineering. Joseph Asscher had to navigate the internal cleavage planes of the crystal to avoid the stone shattering. The success of the Cullinan II's cushion cut is a result of the Asscher Diamond Company's expertise, which had been proven years earlier with the Excelsior diamond.
The precision required to produce a flawless 317.4-carat stone from a larger rough requires an intimate understanding of mineralogy. The cutter must account for the refractive index of the diamond to ensure that light enters and exits the stone in a way that maximizes "fire" and brilliance. The Cullinan II achieved this, resulting in a stone that remains a benchmark for master diamond cutters globally.
Conclusion
The Cullinan II diamond is more than a geological curiosity; it is a nexus of science, art, and political history. From its origin in the Premier Mine of South Africa to its current residence in the Tower of London, it represents the pinnacle of gemological achievement. While it may exist in the shadow of the larger Cullinan I, its role in the Imperial State Crown ensures that it remains one of the most recognized and coveted diamonds in existence. Its flawless clarity, combined with its cushion cut and royal provenance, elevates it from a mere mineral to a historical artifact. The legacy of the Cullinan II continues to fascinate not only because of its staggering estimated value of over $150 million, but because it serves as a physical reminder of the era of great discoveries and the enduring allure of the world's most precious gemstones.