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The Orlov Diamond

The Orlov (sometimes Orloff or Orlow) diamond is one of the most famous Russian diamonds and is part of the Treasures of the Diamond Fund.

The Orlov diamond was mounted in the Imperial Sceptre of Catherine the Great. It weighs 198,62 carats and has a slight blue-green color. The diamond is shaped like the half of a pigeon’s egg and has a small indentation on one side. The Orlov is special, because it has still its original Indian rose cut.

It is said the the Orlov diamond was once part of an Hindu temple statue. It was stolen by a French deserter who sold the diamond in Madras. The diamond travelled through Europe and was finally purchased by the Russian Count Orlov who helped Catherine to the throne and was also her lover. But Catherine didn’t marry Orlov. Orlov bought a large diamond to remind Catherine of the role he had played in her accession to the throne and in her life. The price of the diamond was 400,000 ruble, an exorbitant price at that time. Catherine took the diamond, but she didn’t take the lover back. Count Orlov died lonely in a mental asylum, but the diamond still has his name.

Legends around the Orlov diamond

There are still speculations that the Orlov diamond is identical with another famous diamond which is long lost: the Great Mogul. The unusual cut, the special facets and the slight indentation could be the sign that the Orlov is indeed the Great Mogul. All these characteristics are described by Tavernier who was the first European traveller that was allowed to study the jewels of the Indian Emperor. Unfortunately the Great Mogul disappeared and noone knows if it still exits. Some believe that the Orlov is indeed the long lost Great Mogul diamond.