The Black Orlov Diamond
The Beautiful and the Cursed
The world of gemstones is replete with beauty, allure, and mystery, but few gems are as captivating as the Black Orlov Diamond.
This extraordinary stone, with its rich history and enigmatic reputation, has fascinated gemologists, historians, and the general public alike. From its origins in India to its current status as a symbol of both beauty and intrigue, the Black Orlov diamond has a story that spans centuries.
The Black Orlov Diamond
Image via London Museum of Natural History
Origins and Early History
The Black Orlov Diamond, also known as the “Eye of Brahma”, is famous for its distinctive color and notorious for its curse, which is said to bring doom to any of its owners. The color of the diamond is not a true black but rather a gunmetal dark gray. It originated from a rough 195 carat diamond which was later cut to a 67.5 carat cushion cut.
The Black Orlov Diamond
Image via DeBeers
Its history is believed to date back to the 18th- 19th century when it was allegedly stolen from the eye of the Hindu God, Brahma in an Indian temple in Pondicherry, India. It is said that Brahma placed the terrible curse on the jewel after it was stolen by a traveling monk.
The diamond came into the possession of Russian princesses in the early 20th century. It was acquired by Prince Felix Yusupov, who gifted it to his wife, Princess Irina. After Princess Irina, the stone then passes through the hands of Princess Leonilla Bariatinskaia who passed away in France in 1918 at the age of 101. After passing through Russia, American diamond buyer J.W. Paris purchased the stone in 1932, sold it and jumped to his death from a New York skyscraper shortly afterward. From the curse perhaps?
Portrait of Princess Leonilla Bariatinskaya of Sayn Wittgenstein Sayn (1843) wearing the Orlov diamond. By artist: Franz Xaver Winterhalter.
On view at J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles.
The Diamond in Modern Times
In 1950, Charles F Winston, a New York City diamond dealer, bought the precarious stone from persons unrecorded and the 67.5-carat Black Orlov was set into a brooch of 108 diamonds, suspended from a platinum necklace set with 124 small white diamonds.
Despite its haunted reputation, the Black Orlov has continued to capture attention. It has been passed through multiple hands and multiple auctions over the years. Here is a list of all the auctions:
In 1969, the diamond was sold for $300,000 via Mid House Diamonds
In 1990, the diamond was sold at Sotheby's for $99,000
In 1995, the diamond was sold to an anonymous private collector for $1.5 million
- The diamond gained further prominence in popular culture when it was featured in various films and television shows, drawing intrigue from a new generation.In 2004, the diamond was purchased by J. Dennis Petimezas, a diamond dealer from Pennsylvania, for an undisclosed amount.
In 2006, it was sold at a Christie's auction for $352,000.
Today, the Black Orlov diamond has been housed an on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and the Natural History Museum in London where it remains a focal point for visitors interested in gemstones and their histories. The diamond's unique color and backstory make it a significant piece in the museum's collection, demonstrating how a simple gemstone can encapsulate tales of glory, tragedy, and enigma.
The Black Orlov diamond is more than just a stunning piece of jewelry; it is a historical artifact that embodies the complex interplay between beauty and danger. Its storied past, rife with legend and lore, continues to captivate and intrigue. As it sits in its display case, the Black Orlov invites all who gaze upon it to ponder the mysteries of fate and fortune, reminding us that even the most beautiful things can carry shadows of their own.
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Ashton Berglund
*all photos and information stated are for learning purposes only.
Links used for references:
Wikipedia
Sothebys
Christie's Auction House