THE BOOK OF DIAMONDS
added to the "Russian Diamond Treasure" of the Union of Soviet Republics.
Previous
to its acquisition by Russia, the diamond had had a long and checkered
career and, fortunately for history, important dates in that career
are marked on the diamond itself. It is one of the few known engraved
diamonds.
The
diamond has been little altered from its natural form by its various
possessors, this form being an elongated octahedron. Some of the
natural facets have been polished and the others have been left in the
natural state. The stone is not of the finest water, since it has a
yellowish tinge. It is, however, of perfect transparency. Its weight is
86.5 metric carats. The models that have been made of the stone
represent it but imperfectly.
STAR OF ESTE
This
is comparatively a small diamond, weighing only 26 carats. It appears
larger, however, because of its well-designed proportions. In purity
and brilliancy it is said to be of the highest quality. It has been
valued at 25,000 dollars. It derives its name from having been owned
for many years, before his death, by the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of
Austria-Este, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary. It will be
recalled that the assassination of this prince, in Sarajevo, June 28,
1914, was the immediate cause of the World War. What subsequent
disposition has been made of this diamond after the death of the Prince
is unknown.
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