THE GREAT WHITE
This large, clear diamond is also known as the Imperial or Victoria. Its weight before cutting is given as 457 carats, and after cutting at 180 carats. The Nizam of Hyderabad purchased it for £20,000 sterling in 1884.
THE MATTAM
The Mattam is a pear-shaped diamond of the purest water, recently—and probably still—in the possession of the Rajah of Mattam. Found in 1760—Dr. Smith says 1787—at Landak, Borneo, it is held responsible for much worldly trouble. Its weight is stated as 367 carats. Mr. Emanuel says: “The Dutch Governor of Batavia offered two gun-boats with stores and ammunition complete and £50,000 sterling for it: but the offer was refused, the Rajah replying that on its possession depended the fortunes of his family.” Its genuineness is doubted by Dr. Smith.
THE STAR OF THE SOUTH
This most perfect brilliant was discovered at Bagagem in July, 1853. It is said to be the largest Brazilian diamond yet found. It weighed 254½ carats in the rough, and 125½ carats when cut by Mr. Coster of Amsterdam. Although not perfectly white, it is regarded as one of the finest large diamonds of the day. £40,000 sterling was paid for it before cutting.
THE ENGLISH DRESDEN
This brilliant was also found at Bagagem in Brazil four years after the “Star of the South.” Its weight before cutting was 119½ carats, which was reduced in cutting to 76½ carats. Its present form is an egg-like oval drop.
THE DE BEERS DIAMONDS
These were discovered in the famous De Beers mine; the first, a pale yellow, 428½ carats in the rough, 228½ when cut, in 1888; the next 503¼ carats, of similar hue, in 1896. Some others weigh 302, 409 carats, etc.