THE BIG DIAMOND.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12400, 16 November 1908, Page 4

THE BIG DIAMOND.

The cutting of the King's diamond ■ known as tho-Cullirian diamond, "is likely to be completed befure Ohristinas. Its original weight was 3000 carats, or nearly 20qz. The gem .has" already been split into two stones odd cafled Uullioan JSfo. 1, and ti e other (Juliioan No. '2. The latter is. already polished, and is of a.bluewbite colour, with remarkable bnlli-; HDce. The weight i» over 320 carats. When finished No. 1 will weigh 600 car/us, and on account of its greater siza will be more apparent than tbose of No. 2. There are also 300 carats of "splinters.?' One alone is worth £2000. The two large gems ara . intended, . one f<jr -the crown ' and the other for the sceptre. It is difficult to estimate thrir value, says the London correspondont of the "Argus," but the larger stone can-

not be worth less than three million sterling. The work is being carried ouD by Mr Henri Koe, of Amsterdam. ' Mr Henri Koe .is employed upon it twelve houra a day. Ho is closely guarded, and the snfe where the stones are lodged each, night is watched by three men. Photographs oi! the stories at thtir various stages are Jsent weeky or 'fortnightly to King Edward. .