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The Russian Orloff diamond was purchased by Prince Orloff from a merchant named Khojeh Raphael. Diamond is not only “a girl’s best friend” but equally admired by men of all era. Orloff is the world’s third largest cut diamond. It got its name since it was gifted to Catherine II of Russia, by her ex-lover Grigori Orloff in 1775. The diamond is often known as ‘Sceptre’ diamond.
There is a saying that the 194 carats diamond was once studded as one of the eyes of the idol Sheringham. This idol was situated in the temple of Brahma in southern India. The unnamed diamond had changed hands several times and presently is settled in Russia. Prince Orloff on his way back to Russia purchased this amazing ‘Indian stone’ to gift it to his lover Catherine II as a token of his affection. Catherine II, after naming it, incorporated it in a sceptre known as the “Imperial Sceptre” designed by C.N. Troitinski in 1784. The Orloff is positioned at the top of the sceptre.
The Orloff is one of the rarest diamonds and is famous for its appearance. The diamond has a half “hen’s egg” like shape. The Orloff is curved in a typical Indian rose-style cut which reflects a mesmerizing white color with a tinge of pale bluish-green. The diamond’s measurements are about 32mm x 35mm x 31mm.
The Orloff found its way directly from India to Russia through Holland. There are so many stories regarding the diamond that the original discovery of it could not be surely determined.
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