The Cullinan Diamond, the largest diamond ever discovered, was unearthed on January 26, 1905, at the Premier Mine near Pretoria, South Africa. Miners, led by Frederick Wells, encountered the massive stone while working at the site. Weighing in at an astounding 3,106.75 carats (approximately 621.35 grams), its size and clarity were unprecedented in the diamond market. The first discovery took place when Wells noticed a sizeable blue-white stone embedded in the earth as he performed his duties, an observation that would change the course of diamond history.

After its initial discovery, the Cullinan Diamond was carefully extracted and brought to a gemologist for evaluation. Its extraordinary size prompted the South African government to present it as a gift to King Edward VII. This act not only highlighted the value of South African diamonds at the time but also marked a critical moment in the British royal family's collection of jewels, as the Cullinan would eventually be cut into several stones.

The diamond's transformation began shortly after its presentation, leading to the creation of notable gems such as the Great Star of Africa and the Lesser Star of Africa. These cut diamonds are now part of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, housed in the Tower of London. The story of the Cullinan continues to inspire fascination and allure, representing the heights of luxury and the remarkable capabilities of gem cutting in the early 20th century.