Ch. 58: Polar Star Diamond, One of the Gems in the Russian Crown

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	LVIII.

	THE POLAR STAR. One of the Gems in the Russian Crown Purchased in England—A Stone of Rare Purity and Lustre.

	EXT to the " Orloff," " Moon of Mountains," and " Shah," the largest and finest diamond belonging to the Russian Crown, is the " Polar Star." It was purchased in England for the Imperial Regalia, and is remarkable for its rare purity and lustre. It is brilliant cut, and weighs 40 carats. Dieulafait makes the curious statement that "it belongs to the Princess Yussupoff."* At one time it seems to have been in the possession of Joseph Buonaparte, who bought it of Morton for 52,500 francs.

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