About the Decline of Golconda as a Source of Diamonds

So far, the new world gave promise of a more copious supply of diamonds than the old. The famous jewels of Golconda are associated with the diamond beds of Raolconda and Gomec Parteal, from whence they were really derived, and which are situated in the territories of the kings of Golconda, on the north bank of the Kistna river. The fickle changes of fortune, which are especially obvious in the discoveries of the precious metals and jewels, are conspicuous in this world-renowned district, which has been the fountain of almost fabulous wealth. The diamonds found at Parteal were merely cut and polished at Golconda; the place itself now affords no indication of its former distinction, being in ruins, and the inhabitants, descendants of those who were enriched by their precious discoveries, being ill-clothed and half-starved in appearance.