Why Kimberley Matters
Kimberley has played an extraordinary role in South Africa's history for more than 150 years.
From diamonds and the Great Diamond Rush to war, political change and the growth of the international diamond industry, the city has helped shape modern South Africa.
These pages are an informal journey through the people, places and events that made Kimberley remarkable. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy exploring the story of one of South Africa's most fascinating cities.
The Stone That Changed South Africa
In 1867, a curious fifteen-year-old boy picked up an unusual pebble while playing near the Orange River on his family's farm close to Hopetown. That small discovery would become one of the most important moments in South African history.
The stone was later identified as the Eureka Diamond, the first authenticated diamond discovered in South Africa.
Although modest in size compared with many famous diamonds found later, its discovery marked the beginning of the country's diamond industry, sparked the great diamond rushes of the Northern Cape and ultimately led to the founding of Kimberley.
Today, the Eureka Diamond is recognised as the stone that began South Africa's Mineral Revolution.
Quick Facts
Discovered: 13 October 1867
Discoverer: Erasmus Stephanus Jacobs (aged 15)
Location: De Kalk Farm, on the Orange River near Hopetown
Original Weight: 21.25 carats
Cut Weight: 10.73 carats
Cut: Cushion-shaped brilliant
Historical Significance: The first authenticated diamond discovered in South Africa
Current Location: Big Hole Open Mine Museum, Kimberley
Diamond Diggers
A Boy's Discovery
On 13 October 1967 the Eureka Diamond was discovered by Erasmus Stephanus Jacobs, aged just fifteen, on his family's farm, De Kalk, near Hopetown on the banks of the Orange River (120km south-west of present-day Kimberley).
Like many children living along the river, Erasmus often collected unusual stones while playing. One of these pebbles attracted the attention of a neighbour, Schalk van Niekerk, who suspected it might be something special.
Rather than dismissing the stone, Van Niekerk entrusted it to travelling trader John O'Reilly, who took it to Colesberg to seek expert advice.
"I Believe It To Be A Diamond"
In Colesberg, the stone came to the attention of Acting Civil Commissioner Lorenzo Boyes. According to the story, Boyes tested the stone by scratching a pane of glass and reportedly declared: "I believe it to be a diamond."
The stone was then placed in an ordinary paper envelope and posted to Dr William Guybon Atherstone, South Africa's leading mineralogist, in Grahamstown. After careful examination, Dr Atherstone confirmed that the stone was indeed a diamond weighing 21.25 carats.
News of the discovery spread rapidly throughout the Cape Colony.
The First Diamond of South Africa
The discovery immediately attracted scientific and public interest. The diamond was exhibited at the Paris Exhibition of 1867, although some historians believe that only a glass replica was displayed while the original was sent to Britain for inspection by Queen Victoria.
Sir Philip Wodehouse, Governor of the Cape Colony, later purchased the diamond for £500, an enormous sum at the time, and took it with him to England. There the diamond remained for almost a century.
From Rough Stone to Brilliant Gem
Originally weighing 21.25 carats, the Eureka Diamond was eventually cut into a 10.73-carat cushion-shaped brilliant.
While this reduced its size, it enhanced the stone's brilliance, transforming it into the elegant gem seen today.
Unlike many famous diamonds, the true value of the Eureka lies not in its size, but in its historical importance.
Returning Home
On 16 April 1946, the Eureka Diamond was sold at Christie's in London as part of a jewellery piece. More than 20 years later, in 1967, exactly 100 years after its discovery, De Beers purchased the diamond and donated it to the people of South Africa.
Today, you can see the Eureka Diamond on display at the Big Hole Open Mine Museum, where it is one of the museum's most treasured exhibits. For many visitors, standing before this small diamond reminds them that great historical events often begin with the smallest discoveries.
Legacy
The Eureka Diamond transformed far more than the fortunes of a single family. Its discovery led to the development of South Africa's diamond industry, the rapid growth of Kimberley, the creation of De Beers, and the Mineral Revolution that reshaped the country's economy and society.
For better and for worse, the story of modern South Africa cannot be told without the Eureka Diamond, found on the banks of the Orange River in Hopetown.
Reflection
Nearly fifty years after the Eureka Diamond was discovered, Kimberley-born writer and political leader Sol Plaatje reflected on the human cost of South Africa's mining industry:
Two hundred thousand subterranean heroes who, by day and by night, for a mere pittance lay down their lives to the familiar ‘fall of rock’ and who, at deep levels, ranging from 1 000 to 3 000 feet in the bowels of the earth, sacrifice their lungs to the rock dust which develops miners' phthisis and pneumonia.
Did You Know?
The Eureka Diamond originally weighed 21.25 carats but today weighs only 10.73 carats after being cut into a cushion-shaped brilliant.
Continue Exploring Kimberley's Story
Kimberley's story is far bigger than a single page.
We hope these articles inspire you to explore more of the city's remarkable history, heritage and attractions. And if your journey brings you to Kimberley, Solomon Edwardian Guest House offers a comfortable base from which to discover it all.