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Wesselton Mine (South Africa)
The
Wesselton mine took its name from J. J. Wessels, Sen.,
the owner of the Benaaudheidfontein farm, on which it
was discovered, in September, 1890. It is situated about
a mile south of the Dutoitspan, in Cape Colony, on the
border of the Orange River Colony. The Wesselton,
or Premier, as it was first called, takes its name from
J. J. Wessels, Sen., the owner of the Benaaudheidfontein
farm, on which it was discovered, in September, 1890. It
is situated about one mile south of the Dutoitspan, in
Cape Colony, on the border of the Orange River Colony;
formerly, the Orange Free State. In extent it is equal
to 1162 claims, equal to about 24 acres.
In extent it is equal to 1162 claims, equal to about
24 acres. The De Beers Consolidated Mines bought the
property in December, 1891, subject to certain
mining rights, and assumed control of the mine in
January, 1896. Since that time it has proved a
valuable addition to the De Beers and the Syndicate.
Although the yield per load has always been
moderate, it runs very even, and the output has been
large in the aggregate. The quality of the diamonds
also is exceptionally good, and free from
gemological flaws to a good extent. The name "Wesselton
" is given to clean, well-made cut diamonds, with a
quality rating between top crystal and Jagers.
Two diamonds weighing 21 carats, cubical in shape
with beveled edges similar to many of the Brazilian
crystals, and rarely found in the African fields,
were found in this mine. They were cubes with
beveled edges similar to many of the Brazilian
crystals.
The De Beers Consolidated
Mines bought the property in December, 1891, subject to
certain mining rights, and assumed control of the mine
in January, 1896. Since that time it has proved a
valuable addition to the De Beers and the Syndicate.
Although the yield per load has always been moderate, it
runs very even, and the output has been large in the
aggregate. The quality of the diamonds also is
exceptionally good, and when free from flaws, they are
rated almost equal to white river-goods. By 1903, the
management was operating on seven levels down to 500
feet, the two upper ones open work, the others
underground. It was estimated at that time there were
17,730,000 loads of blue in sight. Two diamonds weighing
and 21 carats respectively, of a form, rarely found in
the African fields, were taken from this mine. They were
cubes with beveled edges similar to many of the
Brazilian crystals. The name "Wesselton " is now given
to clean, well-made cut diamonds, with a quality rating
between top crystal and Jagers.
Read about all Famous Diamond Mines
The 1867 discovery of diamonds in
the Cape Colony, now a province in South Africa, radically
modified not only the world's supply of diamonds but also
its conception of them. As annual world diamond production
increased more than tenfold in the following 10 years, a
once extremely rare material became more accessible to
Western society with its growing wealth, science learned
that diamonds came from volcanoes, and everyone learned of
Cecil John Rhodes, Barney Barnato, Kimberley, and De Beers.
Today South Africa maintains its position as a major diamond
producer although diamond mining started in India around the
14th century and continued ...
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The largest faceted diamond in the world is the Golden
Jubilee, weighing 545.67 carats. It is a Fancy Brownish-Yellow color and
"fire rose cushion cut." It is unusual also because it has a certain
type of rare color banding. The second largest faceted diamond in the
world is the Star of Africa, also known as the Cullinan I. It weighs
530.20 carats and is a pear shape with 74 facets. The third largest
diamond in the world is the Incomparable. It is a golden yellow-orange
color, pear shaped, and weighs 407 carats. The fourth largest faceted
diamond in the world is the Cullinan II. It was cut from the same stone
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Diamonds in Literature and Poetry
Diamonds have taken an important space in our ideas and
dreams of celebration, enjoyment, expression of love and
happiness. There are famous and popular quotes about or
referencing diamonds. Some that you may have heard or
read and other that you may not have. Read and
enjoy......
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The Diamond Cartel
When a gang of thieves with a stolen bulldozer plowed into London's
Millennium Dome in November 2000 to steal a 203-carat diamond from a
display sponsored by De Beers, Nicky Oppenheimer, De Beers's chairman,
hailed the botched heist as wonderful publicity:
"If only we could do this once every six
months. We could do away with the advertising department altogether."
For more than 100 years, the name De Beers has evoked
all glamour and mystery radiated by a diamond. Through
shrewd marketing and careful manipulation of the market,
the South African company. Learn about the over 100
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trade of the entire world.....
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History of Diamonds
The history of diamonds. Before the Medieval era Diamonds were worn
rough, or cut and polished only on their upper surfaces. It was in this
form that diamonds used to ornament temples, goblets, reliquaries, and
crowns. The history of cutting Diamonds dates back to the beginning of
the 1400's in Paris. Diamonds became popular in jewelry and from this
time the history of diamonds accelerated and many famous diamonds were
cut. Read on the history timeline of diamonds details important dates
relating to famous diamonds and the history of diamonds....
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Read about Diamond History, Diamond Facts..
A symbol of innocence, justice,
faith and strength, the diamond was believed to make its wearers
courageous and victorious over their enemies. When set in gold and worn
on the left side, it held the power to drive away nightmares and soothe
savage beasts. Diamonds were even thought to be so powerful that they
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Information Summary...
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Wesselton Diamond Mine
