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.