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Dudley diamond or the Star of South Africa as it is commonly known as has the reputation of being the first largest diamond to be discovered in South Africa. It created sensation all over the world. The discovery of this magnificent diamond took place in a mine near the Cape of Good Hope. There is a very interesting story attached to the discovery of Dudley diamond. In 1869 a little African shepherd boy found the diamond on the bank of the Orange River and it was sold to a settler in Boer for 500 sheep, 10 oxen and one horse. When this diamond reached the western world, a diamond rush heralded in Africa.
The initial name of Star of South Africa was given by the Lilienfield Brothers who were merchants in Hopetown and had bought the diamond for £11,200. The name Dudley diamond was thus given when this exotic diamond became the belonging of Countess of Dudley. Approximately £25,000 was paid by the countess so that she could be its proud owner.
The diamond was about 84 carats when it was in its rough form and after cutting, it was reduced to a mere 48 carat. Dudley diamond is oval in shape and the cut is a brilliant three-sided one. Initially a mineralogist of the 19th century called James Gregory had declared that the Dudley diamond was a fake, but later this view was nullified.
Dudley diamond or the Star of South Africa is one of the many large and famous diamonds of the world. Presently it is a part of a crown fabricated by the Earl of Dudley.
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