In the world of rare and remarkable gemstones, few can match the allure and mystique of the Orlov Diamond. With a rich history that spans continents and centuries, this extraordinary gem has captivated the hearts of admirers and collectors alike. From its origins in the royal courts of India to its storied journey through Europe, the Orlov Diamond has become a symbol of opulence, intrigue, and the enduring power of a flawless gem. In this exploration, we delve into the facets of the Orlov Diamond, unearthing its origins, historical significance, and the captivating tales that surround this exceptional jewel.
The great mogul diamond, It wasn't simply hyperbole in the name. It was thought to be the largest natural diamond ever found in India, weighing 787 carats. The stone was mined in Golconda in 1650, and because of its enormous size, a lesser nobleman looking to form an alliance with the powerful subcontinental ruler gave it to the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Though the rock's size was undoubtedly remarkable, there were several imperfections. And the emperor had the Venetian lapidary Hortentio Borgis cut and polish the rough stone in order to remove the tiny imperfections in it. It turned out to be a choice that Shah Jahan would always regret. Borgis worked the magnificent diamond, removing each inclusion he could until the size of the stone he was left with was significantly reduced. Shah Jahan was reportedly so unhappy with what the Venetian had done with his valuable diamond after viewing Borgis's craftsmanship that many thought the monarch would have the lapidary's head. Despite being spared from such a cruel fate, Borgis was fined every rupee that he had at the time—10,000 rupees.
The Orlov diamond emerged inexplicably, just as the Great Mughal Diamond vanished. Surprisingly identical in cut and form, the Orlov was considerably smaller at less than 200 carats. Since so little was known about its beginnings, fanciful tales started to circulate. One of the more well-known ones claims that the diamond was originally a pair that made up the eyes of a statue in a temple in Mysore. It was discovered by a French soldier who had deserted from his army during the Carnatic Wars in the eighteenth century. During a violent evening, when thunderclaps and lightning crackles, he succeeded in removing a stone off the statue. Before he could obtain the second gem, though, his nerves broke him, and he fled to Madras while holding onto the lone diamond and jumping the temple wall. There, for £2,000, he sold it to an English sailing captain. According to mythology, the rock then set out on a global journey, calling in at several European capitals until arriving at St. Petersburg and the imperial Russian household. Even if this tale is most likely more fantasy than fact, the Orlov's more credible genesis story is nonetheless remarkable. Most modern scholars are now convinced that the Great Mogul is actually the Orlov Diamond, today part of Catherine the Great's imperial Russian sceptre in the Kremlin.
The Origin: A Gem of Royal Provenance
The Orlov Diamond, also known as the Orloff Diamond, has its roots embedded in the regal soils of India. Believed to have been discovered in the Golconda mines, renowned for yielding some of the world's most famous diamonds, the Orlov Diamond's journey began in the 17th century. Its early history is shrouded in mystery, but it is widely believed that the gem found its way into the possession of an Indian ruler.
Legend has it that the diamond adorned the eye of the presiding deity in the inner sanctum of the Sri Ranganatha Temple in Srirangam. Its mesmerising brilliance and exceptional clarity made it a fitting tribute to the divine. However, the allure of the Orlov Diamond would soon transcend its sacred origins as it became entwined with the destinies of rulers and conquerors.
The Tale of Nadir Shah: A Diamond Changes Hands
In the 18th century, the course of the Orlov Diamond's history took a dramatic turn when it fell into the hands of the Persian ruler Nadir Shah. The story goes that Nadir Shah, after a successful campaign in India, acquired the diamond along with other treasures. The Orlov Diamond, with its resplendent beauty, became a prized possession in the royal treasury of Persia.
It was during this time that a Russian nobleman and diplomat, Count Grigory Orlov, entered the scene. Orlov, seeking favour with the Empress Catherine the Great of Russia, presented her with the dazzling Orlov Diamond in 1762. The diamond, with its weight of approximately 189 carats, was set as the centrepiece of an imperial sceptre, adding a touch of unparalleled magnificence to the Russian royal regalia.
The Orlov Diamond and Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great, enamoured by the brilliance and grandeur of the Orlov Diamond, embraced it as a symbol of her reign. The diamond's placement in the imperial scepter highlighted its significance as a symbol of power and opulence. Catherine, known for her passion for the arts and culture, also commissioned the creation of the Orlov Diamond's first setting, designed by court jeweler C.F. Eckhardt.
Some have compared the shape of the Orlov, a massive rose-cut diamond, to half of an egg from a pigeon. Most people agree that it is white with a slight bluish-green tint. The dimensions of the Orlov are 32 x 35 x 21 millimeters, according to data made public by the Kremlin. Its weight is 189.62 carats (37.924 g). It hasn't been formally weighed in many years, so the weight is only an estimate. According to Lord Twining's book A History of the Crown Jewels of Europe, the stone once unintentionally fell out of its sceptre while the curator was inspecting the crown jewels, probably around 1913. Although he weighed the stone, he did not record its precise weight. Subsequently, he stated that the weight was approximately 190 carats (38 g), in line with the measurement-based estimate.
The sceptre's design was an exquisite fusion of diamonds and gold, creating a masterpiece that reflected the grandeur of the Russian Empire. The Orlov Diamond, now a central element of the sceptre, added an unmatched radiance to the already splendid piece.
The Mysterious Past: Curse or Fiction?
As with many extraordinary gems, the Orlov Diamond is accompanied by tales of mystery and intrigue. One of the most enduring legends surrounding the Orlov Diamond is the supposed curse that haunts its history. According to the legend, the diamond was stolen from the eye of the idol in the Sri Ranganatha Temple, and its theft was said to have unleashed a curse upon those who possessed it.
While the historical accounts of the diamond's origin and acquisition are well-documented, the curse itself is more likely a product of myth and folklore. Nevertheless, the idea of a curse adds an extra layer of mystique to the already enchanting narrative of the Orlov Diamond.
The Fate of the Orlov Diamond: A Royal Heirloom
Following Catherine the Great's reign, the Orlov Diamond continued its journey through the annals of Russian history. It remained a part of the Russian Crown Jewels, surviving political upheavals and revolutions. However, as the Bolsheviks seized power in 1917, the fate of the Orlov Diamond, along with other imperial treasures, became uncertain. In 1922, the Imperial Crown of Russia found a new home in the Kremlin Diamond Fund, where it is displayed to this day. The Diamond Fund, housed in Moscow's Kremlin, showcases a stunning collection of Russia's regalia, including crowns, orbs, and sceptres.
The Orlov Diamond in Popular Culture
Beyond its physical presence, the Orlov Diamond has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Its captivating story has inspired writers, filmmakers, and artists to incorporate its mystique into their works. The diamond's journey, from the sacred temples of India to the courts of powerful rulers, provides a rich backdrop for tales of adventure, romance, and intrigue.
Whether featured in historical novels, documentaries, or films, the Orlov Diamond continues to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide
The Modern Era: The Orlov Diamond Today
Today, the Orlov Diamond continues to fascinate and inspire. The radiant diamond adorning the imperial sceptre played a role in the coronation rituals for every tsar, spanning from historical times to the most recent. Today, this splendid artifact takes its place among the esteemed Jewels of the Crown exhibition at the Diamond Fund of the Moscow Kremlin. Its legacy endures as a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era and the grandeur of Russian imperial history.
The Orlov Diamond stands as a testament to the enduring allure of exceptional gemstones. From its origins in the sacred temples of India to its central role in the courts of Persian and Russian rulers, this remarkable diamond has witnessed the ebb and flow of history. Its journey is not just a chronicle of wealth and power but a tale of artistry, craftsmanship, and the timeless fascination that exquisite diamonds continue to evoke.
As the Orlov Diamond remains veiled in secrecy, its legend lives on, captivating the imagination of those who are drawn to the world of rare and precious gems. The Orlov Diamond is not merely a gemstone; it is a living testament to the indelible mark that extraordinary jewels can leave on the tapestry of human history.
