The world’s largest cut diamond has become the center of a dispute between South Africa and the United Kingdom, and citizens of the African country are among the Europeans, Queen II. He asked them to return the gem encrusted with one of Elizabeth’s wands. According to the British magazine Time Out, it would be presented to the Royal Family in 1905 during the rule of British colonization.
However, the story was refuted by critics of the monarchy, who claimed that the British stole the diamond from Africa in the 20th century with the colonial rule. Return to Africa and place it in a museum. The goal of the campaign organizers is to reach 7,500 signatures in the next few days.
The gemstone was known as the “Great Star of Africa,” but was renamed in honor of Thomas Cullinan, the head of the mine where it was mined.
II. After Elizabeth’s death, a profile on Twitter accused “The 530-carat gemstone was mined in South Africa in 1905. Stolen from South Africa. Estimated value of US$400 million (R$2 billion)”. On September 8, there is talk of the theory, which has no official proof.
The diamond that adorns the centerpiece of one of the Queen’s scepters was displayed on the coffin of the 70-year-old monarch at her farewell ceremony in Westminster last week.
South African media also debate who the true owners of the stone are, and discuss the possession of other jewelery in the British collection that would have been taken from the country in the early 20th century.
“The Cullinan apple must be returned to South Africa immediately. Minerals from our country and other countries continue to benefit Britain at the expense of our people,” said activist Thanduxolo Sabelo in the petition.
The controversial 3,106-carat diamond was discovered on January 26, 1905, at the Premier Mine in Transvaal, South Africa.
From there, the original diamond was purchased by the African government at the time and sold to British King Edward VII in 1907, according to the website brittanica.com. The entire stone was to be purchased for 150 thousand liras. Although the jewel has never been sold today, it is estimated to be worth £350 million.
source: Noticias
