Showing posts with label Cullinan III and IV Brooch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cullinan III and IV Brooch. Show all posts

Monday, January 28, 2013

British Royal Jewels: Cullinan III and IV Brooch (Granny's Chips)

The brooch consists of the third and fourth largest stones cut from the great Cullinan– the largest diamond ever found. Cullinan III is a 94.4-carat pear-shaped diamond, while Cullinan IV is a 63.6-carat cushion shaped Cullinan IV.
Cullinans III and IV Brooch (Granny's Chips)
Cullinans III and IV Brooch (Granny's Chips)
After the Cullinan was cut into smaller pieces, two of the largest stones – Cullinan I and Cullinan II – were officially presented to King Edward VII (a gift from the Government of Transvaal). The King also purchased Cullinan VI in a separate transaction for his wife, Queen Alexandra.

The remaining numbered stones (Cullinans III, IV, V, VII, VIII and IX), along with 96 smaller stones remains with the Asscher as a commission. In 1910, the South African Government acquired the stones and presented them to Queen Mary.