|
The "Estrella do Sul" (Star of the South) brilliant, in the possession of the Khedive of Egypt, has a curious story attached to it. It was found in 1853, at Bargugem, of Minas Geraes (Brazil), by a negress. In the rough state it weighed 254 1/2 carats. Of the score or two of persons who made fortunes by the discovery, Casimiro (de Tal), whose negress brought it to him in order to obtain her freedom, was the only one disappointed, having sold it for 3,000 pound. At the Bank of Rio de Janeiro it was deposited for 30,000 pound. It was cut by Costar, of Amsterdam, who became its possessor, and was sold to the Khedive.
Not so fortunate as the negress was the finder of a diamond in the mines of Zejuco, in the same country. He was a negro slave, and very popular among his fellow workpeople, who all wished him to gain his liberty. His chance depended upon the weight of the diamond, and on its being placed in the balance it was found to be sixteen carats and a half. One carat more, he would have obtained his freedom. |
You are here:
JJKent Home >>
Precious Stones Vol 11
>> The Discovery of the Star of the South Diamond by a Slave
| <<About the Rediscovery of the Diamond Fields of South Africa | About the Treasures Uncovered at the Roman Dacia Petrossa>> |