|
hand
from whom in or about 1772, it was bought by Prince Orloff for
presentation to Catherine II for Rs.9 lakhs, and a life annuity of
Rs.40,000 and the grant of a Russian nobility to the seller. There is
also a legend that it was one of the stones taken away by Nadir Shaw
from the Moghuls.
The
stone in its outlines resembles Tavernier's Great Moghul, but there is
the difference in weight. Another story says that it was brought to
Russia and placed in the Russian Imperial sceptre weighing 194-1/4
carats. Like the
Koh-i-noor,
it has the underside flat, and is rose cut. Water is of any yellowish
tinge. Its size is that of a pigeon's egg. It is the largest of diamond
in the Russian crown jewels. It is a stone of the finest water, pure
and has a brilliant lustre.
5. The Sancy.—Its
early history is not traceable. It was sold by the King of Portugal to
Baron de Sancy, and hence known as the Sancy. It was in his family for
more than a century, then with James II of England and afterwards with
Louis XIV. It was lost in the French Revolution of 1792 and found
again. It was bought by Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy of Bombay for Rs.2
lakhs. It is almond shaped, of very fine water, and weighs 53-1/2
carats. The cut is evidently Indian and the stone is covered all over
with tiny facets.
6. The Nizam.—This
stone was found at Golconda and weighed 340 carats (afterwards 277
carats). It was broken in the year of the Indian Mutiny. It is now
presumed to be in the possession of the Nizam.
7. The Florentine Brilliant.—The
Grand Duke of Tuscany. The Austrian Yellow was valued at Rs. 10-1/2
lakhs. It was double rose cut and weighed 139-1/2 carats. Charles the
Bold had three diamonds of great beauty and value. The history of the
two is confused with one another, and the third is the Sancy already
referred to. After passing
97
|
||
|
|
||