Cullinan II

gem

Also known as: Second Star of Africa

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Cullinan II, also known as the Second Star of Africa, is the second-largest gem cut from the Cullinan diamond. The original Cullinan diamond, discovered in South Africa in 1905, was the world's largest gem-quality diamond. Cullinan II weighs 317.4 carats and is a significant component of the British regalia, specifically set in the Imperial Crown. The cutting of the Cullinan diamond into nine major stones and numerous smaller ones was undertaken by I.J. Asscher and Company in Amsterdam, a company previously known for cutting the Excelsior diamond.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Cullinan diamond
4-carat Cullinan II, sometimes called the Second Star of Africa—is the most valuable stone in the Imperial State Crown. These stones, and the remaining numbered diamonds, Cullinan III–IX, eventually became part of the British monarch’s personal collection (see also 5 Fascinating British Coronation Objects).
Read More
4-carat Cullinan II, sometimes called the Second Star of Africa—is the most valuable stone in the Imperial State Crown. These stones, and the remaining numbered diamonds, Cullinan III–IX, eventually became part of the British monarch’s personal collection (see also 5 Fascinating British Coronation Objects).
Read More

Today in History—January 26
World’s Largest Diamond Found…and Thrown Out
…Cullinan I (530 carats) and Cullinan II (317 carats), were added to the British crown jewels: one on the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, the other in the Imperial State Crown. They remain the two largest, colorless diamonds in the world. Several other major stones went to the king’s daughter-in-law Queen…
Read More
…Cullinan I (530 carats) and Cullinan II (317 carats), were added to the British crown jewels: one on the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, the other in the Imperial State Crown. They remain the two largest, colorless diamonds in the world. Several other major stones went to the king’s daughter-in-law Queen…
Read More