Though most African states have successfully recovered some of their “taken” valuables from colonial masters, the world’s largest diamond referred to as the ‘Star of Africa’ that was taken from South Africa during colonization might never leave the British crown jewel collection. The stone was discovered near Pretoria in South Africa on 26 January 1905. In 1907, the Cullinan was presented to King Edward VII by the Government of the Transvaal (a former province of South Africa bordering with Botswana and Zimbabwe to the North.) Britain insists it was a symbolic gesture intended to heal the rift between Britain and South Africa following the Boer War. The 9 diamond pieces from the star of Africa — Photo Credit: Royal Collection TrustThe remaining numbered diamonds were kept by Asschers (the diamond cutter) as payment for their work.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 03, 2019 21:00 UTC