CELEBRATED DIAMONDS 97
Another
large crystal found in the same mine in 1895 is often confounded with
the Excelsior. It weighed 640 carats. It is now one of the most
perfectly cut oval brilliants in existence and weighs 239 carats. It is
said to be the finest large diamond in the world, faultless in color,
luster, brilliancy and purity. It was exhibited in the Paris Exposition
in 1900 under the name of the " Jubilee," in honor of Queen Victoria's
jubilee of 1897. The diamond measures 1-5/8 x 1-3/8 inches and is one inch thick.
As
another striking illustration of the uncertainties of mining, it is
reported that a man had contracted for all the stones taken from the
claim in which the Excelsior was found, up to June 30, inclusive. The
big stone was one of the last found on that day.
It
is reported that the diamond seal of Charles I of England is now among
the Crown jewels of Persia. The royal arms of England are cut in this
stone. King Charles gave this at the last moment before his execuÂtion,
to his faithful attendant, Herbert, with orders to convey it to his
son, the Prince of Wales. It is probable that this was done, and that
Charles II, who during his exile was in constant need of money, sold it
to Taver-nier, with whom he was acquainted. Tavernier made several
journeys to the East to buy and sell jewels, and King Charles' seal
probably journeyed with him.
There are many stones of some celebrity to which
histories of an apocryphal character are attached. For.
instance, the " Agra" diamond, sold at Christie's in
London, February 22, 1905, for $25,000. This is the
stone of which it is said, that when the King of Delhi's
jewels were looted in 1857, a young English officer got 7
