Surprising Facts about the Great Star of Africa Diamond
The largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found (3,106.75 carats; 621.35 g), the Great Star of Africa diamond was discovered at the Premier Diamond Mine in South Africa in 1905. It is also known as the Cullinan diamond, named after the mine’s owner who happened to be there on that exciting day.
The Great Star of Africa diamond (the Cullinan diamond) was sold to the South African Transvaal government. They, in turn, presented it to King Edward VII on November 9, 1907, for his 66th birthday.
It was insured for $1,250,000 and was sent to England. It is said that detectives from London protected a fake version of the diamond, while it made its way to London by steamboat, as a diversionary tactic. In reality, it was sent to London in a plain box via parcel post!



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