The largest cut diamond is known as the ‘Star of Africa’, a pear shaped Cullinan diamond, which is 530.2 carats.
It is set as the main stone in the majestic Sovereign Sceptre with the Cross.
The Cullinan Diamond was the largest rough diamond ever found and weighed in at 3,106.75 carats.
The rough diamond was discovered on 26th January 1905, at the Premier No. 2 mine in Cullinan, South Africa. It was named after Thomas Cullinan, who was the mine’s chairman.
In April 1905, the large gem quality stone was put on sale in London, but it was never sold.
Then in 1907 the Transvaal Colony government bought the Cullinan and gifted it to Edward VII, King of the United Kingdom.
It was then sent to be cut by Asscher Brothers in Amsterdam.
The Cullinan produced 9 stones of various cuts and sizes. The largest, named Cullinan I or the Great Star of Africa, weighs in at an impressive 530.2 carats and is the largest clear cut diamond in the world.
Then you have the second-largest, called Cullinan II or Second Star of Africa, and this is placed at the front and centre of the Imperial State Crown and weighs 317.4 carats.
Seven other major diamonds, weighing a total of 208.29 carats are owned by Queen Elizabeth II, who inherited them from Queen Mary, after her grandmother died in 1953.
They vary in shape and size and make up a necklace, brooches, earrings and even a pear shaped ring.