At the end of a day in 1905, mine supervisor Frederick Wells was heading out of the Cullinan diamond mine in Gauteng, South Africa. He looked up and saw what he thought was a chunk of glass stuck in the wall as a prank, but it was the largest gem diamond ever found at 3,106 carats. The Cullinan Diamond was sent to Asscher Brothers of Amsterdam for cutting, where it was studied for months before the first cut was attempted because of a major flaw near the center. The two largest pieces are part of the British Crown Jewels and can be seen in the Tower of London. Here are some thoughts on lesser Diamonds.

Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.
- Confucius, c.551 - 479 BC
Modest expression is a beautiful setting to the diamond of talent and genius.
- Edwin Hubbel Chapin, 1814 - 1880
A fine quotation is a diamond in the hand of a man of wit and a pebble in the hand of a fool.
- Joseph Roux, 1834 - 1905
When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.
- Peter Marshall
Whether we fall by ambition, blood, or lust, like diamonds we are cut with our own dust.
- John Webster, 1580 - 1632