Tour Description

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A Legacy Of Diamond Discovery:

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The Cullinan Diamond Mine has a rich history dating back to 1888, when diamonds were first discovered in the river systems east of present-day Cullinan. This discovery led to the establishment of Premier Mine, now known as Cullinan Diamond Mine, located on Elandsfontein Farm, originally owned by Willem Prinsloo.

In 1902, Thomas Cullinan purchased the farm and registered the Premier Diamond Mining Company. Mining operations commenced the following year, and in 1905, the mine made history with the discovery of the Cullinan Diamond—the largest diamond ever found, weighing 3,106 carats.

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The Evolution Of Cullinan Diamond Mine:

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1. Post-War Revival (1945): After World War II, the mine, which had been dormant for 14 years, was reopened. It took nearly 10 months to pump out four billion litres of water before mining operations resumed. This period marked the shift to underground mining, setting the stage for a prosperous new era.
2. De Beers Consolidation (1977): The mine was integrated into De Beers Consolidated, bringing significant advancements in diamond extraction.
3. Petra Diamonds Acquisition (2008): In July 2008, Petra Diamonds acquired the mine, ensuring its continued operation as one of the world's most productive diamond sources.

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A Mine Of Legendary Diamonds

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Cullinan Diamond Mine has produced some of the most remarkable diamonds in history, including:

1. Cullinan Diamond (3,106 carats) – The largest diamond ever discovered, later cut into nine major stones, including the Great Star of Africa, which is part of the British Crown Jewels./li>
2. Premier Rose Diamond (353 carats) – A flawless white diamond of exceptional clarity.
3. Niarchos Diamond (426 carats) – A highly prized gemstone known for its brilliance.
4. Centenary Diamond (599 carats) – One of the world’s largest and most flawless diamonds.
5. Golden Jubilee Diamond (755 carats) – The largest cut and polished diamond in the world.

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Tour Highlights:

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This tour offers a fascinating glimpse into diamond mining history, allowing visitors to explore the working mine and learn about its legacy of extraordinary discoveries. A visit to Cullinan is an unforgettable journey into the world of diamonds, from their formation deep within the Earth to their transformation into some of the most valuable gemstones in existence.