The largest diamond ever found. During a routine inspection of a mine in Pretoria, South Africa, a 3,106-carat diamond was discovered. The “Cullinan,” the largest diamond ever found, was later cut into 106 faceted diamonds, worth a total of millions of dollars. The “Star of Africa I,” the largest of those found, at 530 carats, is the largest cut colorless diamond in the world. The South African province of Transvaal decided to donate the gem, along with the smaller “Star of Africa II,” to King Edward VII. Pear-shaped, with 74 facets, the Star of Africa I is now in the Tower of London with the other Crown Jewels, mounted on the royal sceptre. The 317-carat Star of Africa II is set in the imperial crown.
