In addition to Cullinan I and the already featured famous diamond Cullinan II, the 3,106 carat (ct) Cullinan rough also produced stones III-IX, plus 96 smaller diamonds. Asscher, the diamond cutting firm, retained these diamonds as payment for cutting and polishing the Cullinan rough. The government of South Africa purchased most of them and gave the diamonds to Queen Mary in 1910.
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The Cullinan III, a 94.40 ct pear-shape, and the Cullinan IV, a 63.60 ct square cushion, are the largest of the diamonds Queen Mary received. Together they weigh a total of 158 carats. Originally, the Cullinan III and IV were referred to as the “Lesser Stars of Africa” (along with Cullinan II), but they are now affectionately called “Granny’s Chips.”
In 1911, Cullinan III and IV were used in a crown made for Queen Mary by Garrard & Co. for the coronation of her husband, King George V. The diamonds were mounted in detachable settings, so they could be removed and worn in other ways. The Cullinan III and IV were occasionally used as a pendant to the Coronation Necklace, in place of the Lahore Diamond, and in the Delhi Durbar Tiara.
Queen Mary loved the two diamonds and often wore them hooked together as a pendant brooch. She wore the diamond brooch to family events, such as weddings, and on important state occasions. The Cullinan III and IV passed to her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, upon Queen Mary’s death in 1953, and that’s how these famous diamonds received their nickname, “Granny’s Chips.”
Originally published on May 26, 2014. Last updated on July 19, 2019.
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