The Orlov Diamond is one of the most famous and enigmatic gemstones in the world, renowned not only for its breathtaking beauty but also for its turbulent history filled with theft, mystery, and royal intrigue. Weighing approximately 189.62 carats, this stunning bluish-green diamond is currently set in the Imperial Sceptre of the Russian Crown Jewels, displayed in the Kremlin’s Diamond Fund. However, its journey to Russia is shrouded in legend, involving sacred temples, daring heists, and a love story that may or may not be true.
Origins: The Hindu Temple and the Eye of the Idol
The Orlov Diamond’s origins trace back to India, where it was believed to have been mined in the Golconda region, the source of many legendary diamonds, including the Koh-i-Noor and the Hope Diamond. According to popular legend, the diamond once served as the eye of a Hindu deity in a temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu.
The story goes that in the 18th century, a French deserter turned mercenary (sometimes identified as a soldier or a thief) disguised himself as a Hindu devotee, gained the trust of the priests, and stole the diamond by prying it from the statue of the god Vishnu. Some versions claim he was struck with guilt and died in poverty, while others say he sold it to a British sea captain. Regardless of the exact details, the diamond eventually made its way out of India and into the hands of European traders.
The Journey to Russia: Count Orlov and Empress Catherine the Great
The diamond’s next chapter involves one of Russia’s most powerful figures—Count Grigory Orlov, a military officer and the favorite lover of Empress Catherine the Great. According to historical accounts, Orlov purchased the diamond in Amsterdam in 1774 for an exorbitant sum (some say 400,000 Dutch florins) and presented it to Catherine in an attempt to regain her favor after their romantic relationship had cooled.
Though Catherine accepted the diamond and had it mounted in the Imperial Sceptre, she did not reconcile with Orlov. Nevertheless, the gem was named after him, and it became one of the most prized possessions of the Russian monarchy. The sceptre itself, crafted by court jeweler C. N. Troitinski, features the Orlov Diamond at its apex, surrounded by intricate gold detailing and smaller diamonds.
Mysteries and Legends Surrounding the Orlov Diamond
The Orlov Diamond’s history is intertwined with myth and speculation. One persistent legend suggests that the diamond carries a curse due to its sacrilegious theft from the temple. While no definitive evidence supports this, the diamond’s path has been marked by political upheavals, including the fall of the Russian Empire and the execution of the Romanov family.
Another mystery is whether the Orlov Diamond is the same as the Great Mughal Diamond, a massive stone described by French gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier in the 17th century. Some historians believe the Orlov may be a recut fragment of this lost gem, though this remains unverified.
The Orlov Diamond Today: A Symbol of Imperial Russia
After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the Bolsheviks seized the imperial jewels, including the Orlov Diamond. Fortunately, unlike many other treasures that were sold off to fund the new Soviet state, the Orlov was preserved and remains in Moscow’s Kremlin Diamond Fund, where it is displayed as a testament to Russia’s royal past.
Modern examinations confirm the diamond’s exceptional quality—its rare color, old Indian cut, and slight imperfections only add to its mystique. While it may no longer be worn by royalty, it continues to captivate visitors with its brilliance and the weight of its extraordinary past.
Conclusion: A Gem Steeped in Legend
The Orlov Diamond is more than just a dazzling jewel—it is a relic of history, embodying tales of devotion, betrayal, and power. From its disputed origins in an Indian temple to its role in Russian imperial regalia, the diamond’s journey is a reminder of how treasures can transcend their material value, becoming symbols of human ambition, love, and mystery. Whether cursed or blessed, the Orlov Diamond remains one of the world’s most fascinating gemstones, a glittering enigma that continues to spark the imagination.
