South Africa has demanded the return of the ‘Great Star of Africa’, the world’s largest known clear-cut diamond, which adorned the scepter of the British royal family. Known as Cullinan I, this diamond was cut from the largest diamond mined in South Africa in 1905, the Cullinan. Cullinan formed the Nine of Diamonds. The largest of these is Cullinan I, the ‘Great Star of Africa’.
CNN reports that the diamond was handed over to the British royal family by Africa’s colonial rulers and is currently attached to the Queen’s royal sceptre.
A 530.4-carat teardrop-shaped diamond was added to the scepter along with the cross, ABC News reports. This scepter is a sacred object used in coronation ceremonies. The ABC also states that the diamond is currently on public display at the Jewel House in the Tower of London. The exact value of the diamond is unclear.
‘Britain is taking advantage of our and other countries’ products at our expense. The Cullinan diamond must be returned to South Africa immediately,’ activist Thanduksolo Sabelo told local media, CNN reported.
An online petition has been launched on change.org demanding the return of the diamond, which has been signed by more than 6,000 people.
South African Member of Parliament Vuyolwethu Zungula posted a tweet demanding ‘compensation for all harm done by Britain, return of all gold and diamonds stolen by Britain’.
Many social media users have also started campaigns demanding the return of several diamonds owned by the British family to their respective countries.