HIS
stone we have so named because it formed a conspicuous feature of the
magnificent throne of the Mogul emperors, the gems of which were
yearly weighed, and the result carefully noted. There were altogether
seven Imperial thrones covered all over, some with diamonds, others
with rubies, emeralds, or pearls. But this, which Tavernier fully
describes, was by far the most sumptuous, and was specially
dis-tinguised by a peacock, whose outspread tail was made of blue
sapphires and other coloured gems, and whose body was of enamelled gold
studded with stones, and with a large ruby in front, whence hung a
pear-shaped pearl, about 50 carats in weight, or 200 grains. On either
side of the peacock, and at about the same height, there stood two
bouquets, the flowers of which were of enamelled gold and precious
stones. Tavernier goes on to say that, " on the side of the throne
facing the Court, there is an open-set jewel, wJience hangs a diamond from 80 to 90 carats in weight, and surrounded by rubies and emeralds, and when the king is seated he has this jewel right in front of
