Ch. 10: Remarkable Diamonds

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	REMARKABLE DIAMONDS AND GEMS As a rule the larger the stone the more it loses, proportionately in the process of cutting for the full development of its beauty. The loss is usually considered about one half for moderately large gems. But for one of such large dimensions as the Braganza it could not safely be estimated at perhaps less than two-thirds. This would reduce the finished jewel to about 560 carats; but even so it would still remain twice as large as the next largest (The Great Mogul) on record. Murray tells us that the Braganza remained uncut. Don John VI had a hole drilled through it, and it was suspended from his neck on gala days. The date of its discovery is questioned by some but the most reliable date seems to be about the year 1798. NIZAM The Nizam diamond was at one time considered one of the largest stones in the world. However, little or nothing reliable is known about it except its size, estimated value, and its fortunate owner. Barbot says that "the King of Golconda, the magnificent stone in the rough state known by the name of the Nizam, weighs 340 carats and is valued at 5,000,000 francs". The title "King of Golconda", once belonged to a fabulously rich Indian prince. It has long been obsolete, but it still flourishes in French literature as a symbol for magnificence. Undoubtedly the Great Mogul and Nizam diamonds were found in the same locality. They are thought to have been originally parts of one huge stone. It is quite possible 93

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