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224
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PRECIOUS STONES.
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Since that date, the different narratives are nearly identical,
and probably authentic. Mr. Hamlin favors the opinion that there have been three
different diamonds bearing the name of Sancy : first, the one belonging to Charles the Bold ; second, the one sent to the Jews at Metz, but never redeemed, and nothing further is known of its history ; third, the Demidoff gem, sold to an Indian purchaser. The weight of the great Sancy has been given as fifty-three and one-half, and also fifty-four carats, Indian cut. The Little Saucy.—This gem, worn by the bride on her
marriage to Prince Albert of Prussia, led to a mistake in the public journals, where it was reported as the famous Sancy diamond. It is a brilliant of thirty-four carats, and was purchased by Prince Frederick Henry of Orange, grandfather of King Frederick I., in 1647, and thus passed into the royal treasury of Prussia. It is believed to be one of the diamonds owned by De Sancy, bearing his name, but distinct from the " Great Sancy." The Diamond of Charles the Bold.—The jewels of this
prince, who was an indefatigable collector, have been the source of much bewildering speculation on the subject of historical gems, which appears no nearer solution after the lapse of centuries than at first. These treasures, lost on the battlefield, have become identified with the fortunes of their owner, hence they are invested with a romantic interest beyond many others, and have acquired a celebrity in the literature of precious stones. The history of this diamond seems to be merged in that of the Great Sancy, at least through a part of its career. It is said to have been found by a Swiss soldier, who sold it for a florin. Afterwards it was disposed of to the Bernese government for three francs, and passed, with other valuable trophies of the victory, to Fugger. |
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