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"Another important diamond is the one at the point of the scepter of the Russian empire, known as the Orloff, which weighs 194 and three quarters carats. At one time it formed the eye of an idol in the temple of Seringham in Mysore, whence it was stolen. It was in the throne of Nadir Shah, and after his murder it was bought by an Armenian merchant in 1772 at the price of 450,000 silver rubles and the title of nobility. By the gift of Prince Orloff, a favorite of Catherine II., from whom it derived its name, it came into her possession. Some writers believe that this and the Koh-i-Nur are the two parts of the 'Great Mogul' diamond."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

The Great Mogul Diamond

"Another important diamond is the one at the point of the scepter of the Russian empire, known as the…

"Most of the great diamonds distinguished for beauty and size have very interesting histories. one of the most famous is the Koh-i-Nur, or Koohinoor, 'Mountain of Light.' The legend is that it was carried by the hero Karna, whose deeds are celebrated in the 'Mahabharata.' It made its first appearance in history in the 14th century, when Ala-ed-din brought it to Delhi. At that time it was supposed to weigh 793 carats."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

The Kohinur Diamond

"Most of the great diamonds distinguished for beauty and size have very interesting histories. one of…