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THE BRAGANZA.
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145
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As
a set-off to the deep disappointment suffered on account of this
supposed diamond we may mention the finding of another South American
stone which was attended with far different results. A negress working
at the mines of Minas-Geraes in 1853 picked up in her trough a stone
two hundred and fifty-four and one half carats in weight, which proving
to be an undoubted diamond obtained freedom for the woman, and
afterwards a life-pension. Her master sold the diamond for fifteen
thousand dollars, and the buyer immediately obtained one hundred and
fifty thousand dollars for it. After being cut by Voorsanger, the same
workÂman who manipulated the Koh-i-nur, it proved to be a white stone
of uncommon beauty and lustre. Under the name of the Estrella do Sud*
*
The naming of diamonds is an art wherein there may lie fitness as well
as unfitness. Historic stones frequently bear the name of their first
well-known owner, as for example the " Regent," the " OrlofE," the "
Braganza," and many others. Again they may bear names indicative of
their character as " Austrian Yellow," " Dresden Green," " French
Blue," or yet again their names may be purely fanciful. Of this latter
class there are numerous examples. The above " Estrella do Sud " is
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