| 12th May 2013✧23:422,314 notes |
| 12th May 2013✧23:388,846 notes |
| 12th May 2013✧23:112,774 notes |
| 12th May 2013✧23:111,649 notes |
| 12th May 2013✧23:10478 notes |
| 12th May 2013✧23:105,479 notes |
(via lecapulet)
World’s Largest Diamond - The Cullinan
The celebrated Cullinan Diamond, also known as the Star of Africa, is the largest diamond ever found. Weighing 3,106 metric carats in its rough state (picture 1) and measuring over 10 centimeters in length, it is notable for its size, extraordinary blue-white color and exceptional purity.
The Cullinan Diamond was discovered in January, 1905 at the Premier Mine in South Africa and named after the chairman of the mining company, Thomas Cullinan. In November, 1907 the diamond was bought by the Transvaal Government and presented to King Edward VII and, by February 1908, was ready to be cut (picture 5).
The Cullinan I (picture 2), which is 530.20 carats, was set in the head of the Sceptre with the Cross. The Cullinan II (picture 3), which is 317.40 carats, was set into the Imperial State Crown.
The Cullinan Diamond produced nine major diamonds of exceptional beauty. Only Cullinan I and II are part of the Crown Jewels; the rest, known as ‘the chippings,’ (picture 4) are set into pieces from the Queen’s personal jewelry collection.
| 12th May 2013✧23:081,787 notes |
Boogeymen - part of a series of eerie stereoviews - dated 1923 (Via)
