09-26-2005, 08:43 PM
<b>Hindusthan's stolen wealth-A rare black diamond called Black Orlov</b>
A rare black diamond called Black Orlov, or Eye of Brahma, has gone on public display for the first time in Britain.
Removed from an idol in India over two centuries ago, it now ranks among the world's most famous gems. The stone is currently on display, along with a replica of the world-famous Koh-i-Noor, at an exhibition on diamonds at London's Natural History Museum.
The Black Orlov or The Eye of Brahma diamond during a photocall in London.
According to received information, the diamond was discovered in India in the early 1800s. At the time, it weighed an impressive 195 carats.
Interestingly, as with most other famous precious stones, it is believed to bring enormous bad luck to its owner. At least three former holders, including two Russian princesses, apparently killed themselves after it came into their possession.
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In an attempt to escape the alleged curse, the diamond was re-cut into three separate stones. The 67.5 carat stone now known as the Black Orlov is set in a 108-diamond brooch suspended from a 124-diamond necklace.
Following the closure of the exhibition next year, the necklace will move to California to be worn by a film star at the 2006 Oscars ceremony. When asked about owning the stone, diamond dealer Dennis Petimezas says, 'In the middle of the 20th century, the media christened it the Evil Death Gem, but I've never felt nervous owning it. I've spent the past year trying to discover everything I can about its melodramatic history and am confident the curse is broken.'
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Incidentally, this isn't the first famous diamond to come from India. There's everyone's favourite Koh-I-Noor, for one, the earliest reference to which was made in the first Mughal emperor Babur's memoirs, the Baburnama.
There was also the 45.52 carat steel blue Hope Diamond, found in India by noted French traveller Jean Baptiste Tavernier in the seventeenth century. Apparently, he found the stone when approached by a slave who had 'a very secretive manner about him.' Then, weighing 88.70 carats, there was the Shah diamond, with the names of three monarchs engraved on it, including the Shah of Persia.
The tragedy is, none of these famous diamonds have managed to stay in India.
The Queen Mother's crown bearing the Koh''i''noor diamond lies on the coffin of the Queen Mother April 5, 2002 as her ceremonial procession makes its way down the Mall in London.
A rare black diamond called Black Orlov, or Eye of Brahma, has gone on public display for the first time in Britain.
Removed from an idol in India over two centuries ago, it now ranks among the world's most famous gems. The stone is currently on display, along with a replica of the world-famous Koh-i-Noor, at an exhibition on diamonds at London's Natural History Museum.
The Black Orlov or The Eye of Brahma diamond during a photocall in London.
According to received information, the diamond was discovered in India in the early 1800s. At the time, it weighed an impressive 195 carats.
Interestingly, as with most other famous precious stones, it is believed to bring enormous bad luck to its owner. At least three former holders, including two Russian princesses, apparently killed themselves after it came into their possession.
Image
In an attempt to escape the alleged curse, the diamond was re-cut into three separate stones. The 67.5 carat stone now known as the Black Orlov is set in a 108-diamond brooch suspended from a 124-diamond necklace.
Following the closure of the exhibition next year, the necklace will move to California to be worn by a film star at the 2006 Oscars ceremony. When asked about owning the stone, diamond dealer Dennis Petimezas says, 'In the middle of the 20th century, the media christened it the Evil Death Gem, but I've never felt nervous owning it. I've spent the past year trying to discover everything I can about its melodramatic history and am confident the curse is broken.'
image
Incidentally, this isn't the first famous diamond to come from India. There's everyone's favourite Koh-I-Noor, for one, the earliest reference to which was made in the first Mughal emperor Babur's memoirs, the Baburnama.
There was also the 45.52 carat steel blue Hope Diamond, found in India by noted French traveller Jean Baptiste Tavernier in the seventeenth century. Apparently, he found the stone when approached by a slave who had 'a very secretive manner about him.' Then, weighing 88.70 carats, there was the Shah diamond, with the names of three monarchs engraved on it, including the Shah of Persia.
The tragedy is, none of these famous diamonds have managed to stay in India.
The Queen Mother's crown bearing the Koh''i''noor diamond lies on the coffin of the Queen Mother April 5, 2002 as her ceremonial procession makes its way down the Mall in London.