British Royal Jewels:Cullinan II Diamond (The Second Star of Africa)

The Cullinan II is the second largest diamond cut from the original Cullinan stone, which had been discovered in South Africa in 1905.

Cullinan II or the Second Star of Africa

The Second Star of Africa is a cushion-shaped diamond which weights 317.4 carats (63.48 g). It is currently the fourth largest polished diamond in the world.

The first setting of the stones was a temporary one; together with Cullinan I, it was mounted as a brooch for Queen Alexandra. After Edward VII’s death in 1910, the new King commissioned Garrard to incorporate the diamond into the existing Crown Regalia, which had been Edward VII’s original intention as well.

Queen Alexandra (left) and Queen Mary (right) wearing Cullinans I and II as a brooch

In 1910 it was set into the band of the Imperial State Crown where it remains to this day. The famous Stuart Sapphire was moved to the back of the crown so that the Second Star could sit front and centre. The newly altered regalia was used for the first time at George V's coronation in 1911. 

Like Cullinan I, the Second Star of Africa can be removed from its setting and be worn separately, although this has been done very rarely. Queen Mary wore Cullinan I and Cullinan II separately several times. She also wore them in a brooch setting, with Cullinan III and IV (also in a brooch setting) hanging from her diamond necklaces. Nevertheless, for the most part the Second Star of Africa has remained in its Crown setting.

George V (left), George VI (middle) and Elizabeth II (right) in their Coronation Robes with the Imperial State Crown next to them

The Imperial State Crown, or Crown of State, is the crown the monarch exchanges for St Edward's Crown at the end of the Coronation ceremony. The Imperial State Crown is also used on formal occasions, such as the annual State Opening of Parliament. 

This crown was made for the coronation of King George VI in 1937 but is closely based on a crown designed for Queen Victoria in 1838 by the crown jewellers of the time, Rundell, Bridge & Rundell. It is set with over 3,000 gems, including 2868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 269 pearls. The stones were all transferred from the old Imperial Crown, which had been re-made on a number of occasions since the 17th century.

The Imperial State Crown

This crown incorporates many famous gemstones, including the diamond known as the Second Star of Africa (the second largest stone cut from the celebrated Cullinan Diamond), the Black Prince’s Ruby, the Stuart Sapphire, St Edward’s Sapphire and Queen Elizabeth’s Pearls.

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