Cullinan diamonds - Phillida Brooke Simons

Of all the gifts that nature has bestowed upon this earth, none has greater power than the diamond to stir hearts, captivate imagination, and arouse a lust for wealth. Given their timeless beauty and indestructibility, diamonds are not only cherished as the most desirable of jewels but have become the symbol of both earthly sovereignty and of unwavering, romantic love. Situated in the foothills of the Magaliesberg some 50 km northeast of Pretoria, is the world's most extensive single diamond mine and the source of the largest diamond yet discovered: the Cullinan diamond. First seen glittering in the side of the open-cast workings of the mine in January 1905, the diamond, weighing 3 106 carats and the size of a man's fist, was named after Thomas Major Cullinan, founder of the mining company. The diamond was sold to the Transvaal Government for a nominal sum of [pound]150 000 and presented to King Edward VII as a gift. It was subsequently divided into one large stone and 96 smaller ones. The largest gems are now incorporated in the British Crown jewels.;The book is lavishly illustrated with historical and contemporary photographs, artwork, maps and diagrams, and is written in a light, readable style. It traces the changing fortunes of diamond personalities and mining in this area, and illustrates both the historical importance and the current attractions of the mine and the country town of Cullinan. Initially established to house the mine's staff, today many of the town's originally private homes have given way to such businesses as craft shops, country house hotels, museums and galleries, but its essential and characteristic Edwardian style remains. It has a history and ambiance that is unique to South Africa. Some of the legendary diamonds discovered in South Africa are also featured, including the Eureka, the Excelsior, the Tiffany, the Hope, the Niarchos, the Taylor-Burton, the Premier Rose, the Golden Jubilee and the Centenary diamonds.