We’d like to share our passion and expertise for diamonds with you, which is why we’ve created the Blesq diamonds blog – read on for gripping tales and exciting news about the most precious gemstone on Earth.
An originally 410 carat diamond, which only gave joy after a bitter initial story, adorned numerous crown jewels of great personalities, such as the crown of Louis XV, the hat of Marie Antoinette, the sword of Napoleon. Today, it is set in the tiara of the Empress Eugenie, and much like the Sancy, it can also be admired in the Apollo Gallery of the Louvre. Its name comes from the regent of France, Duke of Orléans.
The magnificent diamond was found in 1701 by a slave in India who then tried to transform the find into freedom by feigning an injury and escaping to sea, where he bought a boat trip to freedom for 50% of the diamond’s value. Out of green, the sailor killed the slave during the crossing. Overwhelm with guilt after selling the diamond, he is said to have hanged himself.
The rough diamond was acquired by Thomas Pitt, whose grandson took 2 years giving it its cut. You can admire the cushion cut diamond that still has 140.5 carats.
