British Royal Jewels: Cullinan IX Ring

The smallest of the nine numbered stones is a pear-shaped diamond weighing 4.4 carats set in a ring with a claw setting. Cullinan IX is also the only one cut in a form known pendeloque, or stepped pear-shape.

Cullinan IX diamond set into a platinum ring

In 1911, Queen Mary commissioned Garrad & Co to set the stone into a platinum ring, in which form it has remained ever since. Queen Elizabeth inherited the ring, along with the other Cullinans, upon Queen Mary’s death in 1953. 

Unfortunately, this ring is severely misused and has been worn by either Queens on only a handful of occasions. In fact, it is probably the least used of the Cullinan diamonds, Cullinan I (set into the Sceptre) and Cullinan II (set into the Imperial State Crown) included. 

Queen Elizabeth wearing the Cullinan IX Ring, along with Cullinans III and IV (Granny's Chips)

To read more about the fascinating story of the uncut diamond, have a look at this article - Day in History: The world’s largest diamond ever, the Cullinan, is found.

Sources and photo credits: Royal Collection, “Diamond: A Journey to the Heart of an Obsession” by Matthew Hart, “The Queen’s Diamonds” by Hugh Roberts, "The Queen's Jewels" by Leslie Field