Places to Visit in Pretoria: Cullinan Premier Diamond Mine
The Premier Mine is an underground diamond mine owned by Petra Diamonds. It is situated in the town of Cullinan, 40 kilometres east of Pretoria, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Established in 1902, it was renamed the Cullinan Diamond Mine in November 2003 in celebration of its centenary. The mine rose to prominence in 1905, when the Cullinan Diamond — at the time the largest gem diamond ever — was discovered here. It is also the only significant source of blue diamonds in the world.
De Beers, the world's biggest diamond producer, said on Thursday 22 November 2007 it had sold its historic Cullinan mine to a consortium led by Petra Diamonds.
The Cullinan Diamond is the largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found, at 3,106.75 carats (621.35 g).[1] It was found by Frederick Wells, surface manager of the Premier Diamond Mining Company in Cullinan, Gauteng, South Africa, on January 25, 1905. The stone was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the diamond mine.
In May 2008, a sparkling shield-shaped 101.27 carats (20.25 g) diamond (about the size of a pingpong ball) mined from the Premier Mine sold for more than $6.2 million at Christie's in Hong Kong. Cut from a 460 carats (92 g) rough, the shield-shaped gem boasts 92 brilliant facets. While internally flawless, the stone has a slight imperfection on the surface that is imperceptible to the human eye, the auction house said. It is the largest colourless diamond to appear on the auction market in the last 18 years, Christie's said. Only three colourless diamonds of more than 100 carats (20 g) have appeared at auction. All were sold in Geneva. Naming rights were granted to the new owner.[1]
In September 2009, a 507-carat (101 g) diamond was found, and is ranked as one of the 20 biggest high quality diamonds ever discovered.[2][3] Petra Diamonds sold the 507-carat (101 g) diamond for $35.3 million on February 26, 2010, breaking a record as the highest price ever paid for a rough diamond
Essential Travel Preparations: Booking, Health, and Documents Tips for a Smooth Journey
Where is the best place to travel in summer?
The list of must-visit destinations on our planet is endless. From the Arctic to South Africa, Earth is filled with countless surprises and hidden gems that a single lifetime isn't enough to explore them all. Someone once said that life is too short to visit the same place twice. However, when it comes to choosing a country for a summer holiday, we all have our favorites. We hope you will agree with us. Ready to explore? Let’s go!
How to Register as a Tour Guide on GuidesFinder
Are you a professional tour guide looking to expand your clientele and reach travelers worldwide? GuidesFinder offers you the platform to showcase your expertise and connect with adventurers seeking authentic experiences. Follow these steps to become a registered guide
Cultivate Global Connections: Join GuidesFinder Today!
Are you a professional guide looking to expand your reach and connect with travelers from all corners of the globe? GuidesFinder serves as the essential bridge between tourists seeking authentic experiences and professional guides ready to provide unparalleled insights.
Experience the GuidesFinder Advantage
What sets GuidesFinder apart is its commitment to working exclusively with experienced and knowledgeable guides, ensuring a high standard of service for travelers. One of the key highlights of GuidesFinder is its commission-free operation model.
Showcase Your Expertise with GuidesFinder
By joining GuidesFinder, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your expertise to travelers from around the world, allowing you to cultivate meaningful connections and tailor unforgettable experiences to their unique interests and preferences.
Some rules for finding the perfect guide for your adventure
Photo by William Fortunato
First day of spring: Perfect Time for New Adventures
Photo by Matt Hardy
With the arrival of spring, the world transforms before our eyes. Trees come to life with greenery, flowers bloom, and nature awakens to a new life. For tourists, this time of year presents an ideal opportunity for exploration and adventure. Spring travels bring fresh experiences, vivid memories, and unending awe before the splendor of nature and cultural diversity. Let's explore why the first days of spring are a wonderful time for new adventures.
Hidden Gems: Forgotten or Underrated Places Worth Visiting in 2024
In a world filled with well-known tourist destinations, there is always a mysterious allure in lesser-known corners, where magic sparkles with the desperation to avoid conventional views. In this article, we will delve into the world of hidden gems in tourism – forgotten or underrated places that you will undoubtedly want to visit in 2024.
Vacation in the Tropics: Winter Paradise Retreats for the Perfect Getaway
Photo by Wally Holden
Dear lovers of warmth, sun, and tropical charm in winter! Let's face it: when the thermometer column its downward descent, the only thing one can dream of is warm sandy beaches, bright sunshine, and a breeze carrying the scent of fresh fruits.
If your heart is already filled with echoes of ocean waves and your mind with cocktails with umbrellas, welcome to our fun and slightly crazy expedition to choose the perfect winter getaway in the magical countries of the Caribbean Sea. Are you ready to become a mixed cocktail of fun, relaxation, and wonderful memories? Let's begin!
In winter, Asia and the Caribbean basin reveal the beauty of their amazing oceans and exotic nature.
December is a great time to vacation in such amazing countries as the UAE, Sri Lanka, Goa, Thailand, Vietnam, Egypt, Tenerife, Maldives, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.
Sri Lanka is a special story. This country attracts those seeking unforgettable experiences and lovers of active tourism with elements of wild nature, jungles, and eccentric locals. People come here not just for beaches and hotels, but for nature, offering endless hikes into unexplored corners.
Discover the magic of Sri Lanka by choosing a local tourist guide on GuidesFinder.
During this period, the United Arab Emirates and Goa are also quite attractive. Winter holidays in these countries offer a rich choice of attractions and unique experiences.
In January, there are three popular directions. The majority of tourists head to Thailand and Vietnam, where it becomes sunny and warm. The second part prefers Turkey, enjoying comfortable hotels on the coast. The rest choose Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
The optimal choices for February for many are Thailand, Vietnam, Maldives, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Cuba. Travelers also pay attention to Goa, Egypt, Sri Lanka, and the exotic Philippines.
Regardless of where you decide to spend your winter, in the end, you will embark on an undiscovered Creole world of fun, beach adventures, and warm laughter.
And reaching out to GuidesFinder tour guides will fill your journey not only with the rainbow of bright colors but also with exciting emotions that will remain in your memory as a positive and sunny recollection.
Have a nice holiday, sailors!
Navigating Stories: The Unsung Heroes of Travel - Tourist Guides
Traveling to a new destination is an adventure waiting to unfold, and at the heart of every memorable journey is an often overlooked hero—the tourist guide. These unsung navigators of culture, history, and local anecdotes play a pivotal role in shaping our travel experiences. In this article, we delve into the world of tourist guides, exploring the multifaceted roles they play, the challenges they face, and the magic they bring to our journeys.