‘Star of the South’ Diamond

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“The ‘Star of the South’ is one of the world’s most famous diamonds. Discovered in 1853, it became the first Brazilian diamond to receive international acclaim. This was later mounted on a necklace as part of the Gaekwad family jewellery.”

They say that “a diamond is a woman’s best friend”, and so it would be when a slave woman working in a mine came across a diamond and was awarded freedom. This diamond very diamond changed many hands before it came to be known as the “Star of the South” and finally landing a place in the Treasury of the Gaekwads.

The 128.48-carat Star of the South is one of the world’s most famous diamonds. Discovered in 1853, it became the first Brazilian diamond to receive international acclaim.

Discovery :

It was the custom in the Bagagem Diamond Mines in Brazil for a slave worker who found a stone of mention-able size to be rewarded with his freedom which offered him the opportunity to work for a salary. In addition he might be given clothes, tools and in some cases a procession in his honor and during the ceremony might be crowned with flowers. All depending on the value of the stone found. This was done to encourage honesty among the workers. There were also several punishments established for those who were caught smuggling diamonds out.

In 1853 a slave woman while working in the mine discovered a 261.88-carat diamond. For this she was reward not only her freedom but in addition a life income. Yet apparently not aware of its true value, her master was induced to sell it for the modest sum of £3000, after which the purchaser disposed of it in Rio de Janeiro for $30,000.

A  journey & destination Baroda :

The rough stone passed through many hands before it was sold to Costers of Amsterdam for $35,000 and cut to a 128.48-carat stone losing over half its original weight. The cost of shaping the faint pinkish brown hued diamond into a cushion shaped stone came to be about $2500.

'Star of the South' Diamond

The necklace commissioned by Khanderao Gaekwad, made to display both the Star of the South and the English Dresden below it. Photo circa 1880.

It was purchased by Halphen & Associates of Paris and was given the name the “Star of the South”. They displayed the stone at the London Exhibition in 1862, and in Paris in 1867 making it quite famous. At this time, the syndicate was offered £110,000 by an unknown Indian rajah, but the offer was declined. Later, it was sold to Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad of Baroda, who was very well known for his love of precious jewels.  He purchased the diamond for £80,000, or about $400,000 and made it a part of his treasury.

To flaunt his new possession, the Gaekwad commissioned a necklace. He gave the commission for this transaction to E.H. Dresden. E. H. Dresden at that time possessed an another famous diamond acquired from the same mines. Popularly known as the “English Dresden”, this was a 78.5-carat drop shaped diamond. Later this diamond was also purchased by Khanderao and was set in the necklace along with the “Star of the South”.

Maharani Sitadevi with Slightly Modified Version of Necklace

Maharani Sita Devi (second wife of Maharaja Pratapsinhrao) wearing a slightly modified version of the necklace, with extra diamonds added around the English Dresden. Photo circa 1948, Baroda.

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Sometime around 1999, GIA was allowed to examine, grade and photograph the large diamond.It’s last known presence in India was in around 2002 when Cartier bought the stone from Rustomjee Jamsetjee of Bombay.

Partial Source: famousdiamonds.tripod.com

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