Star of the South

The Star of the South diamond is an unblemished 128.48 carat white diamond glowing with a rosy hue and is one of the largest diamonds found in Brazil. The diamond before being crafted into shape weighed around 262 carat in the rough form. The diamond was unearthed by a slave woman in 1853 and as per the rule, she was freed from the shackles of slavery with a good amount given as a pension.

The Star of the South is the Brazilian diamond to receive international recognition. The rough stone passed many hands before coming to the present state. After being sold to Costers of Amsterdam at a handsome price of $ 35,000, it was cut into the present 128.48 carat form giving a faint pinkish glow. The Star of the South name was given by Halphen & Associates of Paris after they got hold of it.The Star of the South made quite a name in the market after being exhibited at the London Exhibition in 1862 and in Paris in 1867. It was later sold to the Gaekwar of Baroda, Mulhar Rao for a reason not disclosed to the public for £80,000, or about $400,000.

In 1934, it came to be known that the Star of the South along with the English Dresden was mounted in a necklace among the Gaekwar family’s jewels. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) was allowed a close view of the diamond and also was granted the permission to examine, grade and photograph the large diamond. The Star of the South again changed hands with Cartier, when the latter bought the precious stone from Rustomjee Jamsetjee of Mumbai, India during 2002.