Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
AuctionsApr 24, 2019
Document Outlining Cutting of Cullinan Headed to Auction
Estimated to sell for between $2,600 and $3,900, the lot also includes a paste replica of the rough diamond and its resulting cut stones.
At Bonhams’ London Jewels sale at the end of the month, the auction house will sell the original document outlining the agreement between the secretaries of King Edward VII and London diamond brokers M.J Levy & Nephews on the cutting and handling of the Cullinan diamond.
London—A history buff could soon be the owner of the original document outlining the cutting and cleaving of the historic Cullinan diamond.
At Bonhams’ London Jewels sale scheduled for April 30, the auction house will put on the block the historic document that facilitated the cutting of the world’s largest rough diamond.
Dated Jan. 29, 1908, the original manuscript is for the ‘Agreement for the Inspection of the Cullinan Diamond’ between the representatives of King Edward VII and London diamond brokers M.J Levy & Nephews.
This document brokered the handling and cutting of the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond—which remains the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered—by the renowned Asscher Company to create the nine principal Cullinan Diamonds, Bonhams said.
It appointed M.J Levy and Nephews as “inspectors” of the Cullinan and outlines the parameters and guidelines of how it had to be handled, as well as the duties of each party.
The auction lot includes the original documents as well as a paste replica of the Cullinan as it appeared in its rough form and two replica sets of the nine principal diamonds cut from the stone.
The lot is estimated to sell for between $2,600 and $3,900.
The Cullinan rough diamond was discovered near Pretoria, South Africa, in 1905. So large it was believed to be a piece of rock crystal instead of a diamond, the rough was named after Thomas Cullinan, chairman of the mine where it was found.
The stone initially failed to find a buyer and was eventually sold for £150,000 to the South African Transvaal Colony government in 1907, which then presented it to King Edward VII on his 66th birthday in November of that year as a symbol of South Africa’s loyalty to the Crown, Bonhams said.
After the king received the stone, he was advised by his private secretaries to consult London diamond brokers Messrs M.J. Levy & Nephews about the cutting of the rough given the complexity and risk of the task.
Arthur and Alexander Levy then brokered it to be cut and polished with Asscher in Amsterdam, which had just cut the 995.2-carat Excelsior Diamond in 1903.
Since it wasn’t possible to shape and polish the stone without splitting it, the responsibility fell to Joseph Asscher, the house’s most skilled cleaver, to do the task.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
After studying it at length, Asscher created a 6.5-mm deep incision in the diamond over several days. Then, in February 1908, his first attempt to cleave it ended when the blade on his tool broke as soon as he struck the stone.
After making stronger tools, he tried again the following week, successfully cleaving the Cullinan rough into two parts—one weighing 1,977 carats and the other 1,040 carats.
These stones were further polished and cut in the months following to create nine main stones, 96 smaller diamonds, and several polished “ends.”
Those nine principal diamonds, named Cullinan I through Cullinan IX, now form part of the collection of the Crown Jewels and the collection of Her Majesty The Queen.
Cullinan I remains the largest polished white diamond in the world, weighing 530.20 carats. It sits on top of the Sovereign’s Sceptre.
The Cullinan II, weighing 317.40 carats, is set at the front of the Imperial State Crown, currently located in the Tower of London.
Bonhams said the agreement documents and paste replicas of the stones were handed down through the business and subsequent owners of M.J. Levy & Nephews.
The auction house said this is the first time they are being offered for sale on the open market.
Details and information on the lot can be found at Bonhams.com.
More on Auctions
The Latest
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
