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2. The Great Moghul.—Tavernier
states that he saw this stone at the court of Aurangzeb and it weighed
at that time 787-1/2 carats, and also .got confounded with Koh-i-noor.
Tavernier has recorded two large stones, and hence it is thought that
the two are only convertible names. Another theory refers the stpne to
be cut into three by Borgio: (i) the Koh-i-noor, (ii) the Great Moghul
and the third went to some petty chief. When cut it came to 240 carats.
The subsequent history of the Great Moghul is a complete blank, and is
supposed to have been lost or destroyed. It is presumed'to have been
found at Kollur about 1650.
3. Pitt or Regent.—Though
not the largest, it is considered to be the most perfect and beautiful
diamond in existence, remarkable alike for its shape, proportion and
fine water. Its original weight was 410 carats. It is supposed to have
been found at Partial in 1701. The stone pame into the hands of William
Pitt, Governor of Madras. It was cut to a perfect brilliant, weighing
163-7/8 carats. Subsequently it was purchased by the Duke of Orleans,
Regent of France, for £135,000. It has been treasured as one of the
most beautiful and valuable of the jewels belonging to the French
nation. This diamond was stolen from the Garde-Meuble in 1792, but came
back in a mysterious fashion. The republic then pledged it to a Berlin
merchant from whom it was again redeemed. The Emperor Napolean I used
to wear it in the pommel of his sword and always considered it to be
the key-stone to all his future greatness. It was shown in the French
Exhibition of 1855.
4. The Orloff or Amsterdam diamond.—This
stone is reported to have formed one of the eyes of a Hindu God, and
was stolen away by a French Grenadier-of Pondicherry, who passed as an
incognito Brahmin. It was first sold to an English sea-captain for
Rs.20,000 who in turn sold it to a Jew for Rs. 1,20,000. It passed
again to another
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