The Orlov Diamond: A Tale of Power and Intrigue

The Orlov diamond shines as one of the most magnificent gems ever found. This massive 190-carat stone traveled from an Indian temple to the Russian Imperial Sceptre. Deserters, merchants, and nobles all owned the diamond throughout its history. Its story connects with Russian royalty's turbulent past. The diamond proves humanity's endless fascination with rare treasures.

In this article, you'll discover:

• The mysterious origins of the Orlov diamond in India.
• How a French deserter stole the diamond from a sacred temple.
• The diamond's journey to Europe and into Russian royal possession.
• The significance of the Orlov in Russian imperial ceremonies.
• The connection between the diamond and dramatic events in Russian history.

Origins: The Eye of a God

The early history of the Orlov diamond is shrouded in mystery and contradiction. What we do know is that it is an ancient stone that was well-known in India long before it made its way to Europe. The diamond's Indian origins are evident not just in its history, but also in its distinctive cutting style. Gemologists call it an "Indian rose" cut.

According to the most trustworthy accounts, the Orlov diamond once served as the eye of a deity in a sacred Hindu temple called Sringerl-matha (also known as Srirangam). was located on an island at the junction of the Cavery and Coleroon rivers in Mysore, India. It was one of four especially sanctified monasteries founded in the eighth century by Sankaracarya, a strict Brahmin who restored the glories of the old religion. The temple was renowned, attracting many pilgrims, and consisted of seven distinct enclosures, lofty towers, and a gilded cupola.

The Great Theft: From Temple to Trading Hands

The diamond's journey to Europe began with an audacious theft. A French grenadier deserted his post at Pondicherry and converted to Hinduism, motivated purely by greed. He carefully plotted to steal the magnificent diamond eye from the deity at Srirangam temple.

The deserter executed his plan methodically, earning the priests' trust through elaborate displays of devotion. His deception proved so convincing that the priests eventually appointed him guardian of the innermost shrine housing the idol.

One stormy night, finding himself alone with the deity, the Frenchman seized his opportunity. He climbed the statue, pried out the precious diamond eye, and fled immediately to Trichinopoly where English troops provided safety.

The thief continued to Madras, searching for a buyer for his stolen treasure. There he met an English sea captain, becoming the second figure in a pattern of diamond acquisitions. The grenadier sold the diamond for two thousand pounds—about $10,000—before disappearing completely from historical record.

Journey to Europe: The Diamond Changes Hands

The English sea captain took the diamond to London, where he soon encountered the third figure in our diamond drama - a Jewish merchant named Khojeh Raphael, described rather uncharitably in historical accounts as "a complete old scoundrel." Raphael paid twelve thousand pounds (about $60,000) for the stone, a significant markup from what the captain had paid.

Raphael traveled throughout Europe seeking a buyer wealthy enough to purchase this extraordinary gem. Even Catherine the Great of Russia, known for her love of diamonds and willingness to spend lavishly, reportedly rejected it because the asking price was too high.

The diamond's fate was finally decided when Prince Gregory Orlov purchased it in Amsterdam. A gossipy letter dated January 2, 1776, reported: "We learn from Amsterdam that Prince Orlov made but one day's stay in that city where he bought a very large brilliant for the Empress his sovereign, for which he paid to a Persian merchant the sum of 1,400,000 florins Dutch money." This translated to approximately one hundred thousand pounds (about $500,000) - an enormous sum at the time.

Gregory Orlov: The Man Behind the Name

The man who gave his name to the diamond led a life as dramatic as the gem's own story. Gregory Orlov came from a family with an unusual history. His grandfather, nicknamed "Orell" (eagle), first gained notice when he was about to be executed alongside other mutinous soldiers by Peter the Great. While awaiting his turn at the execution block, he kicked aside a comrade's severed head, remarking, "If this is my place I want more room." The Czar, impressed by this cold-blooded audacity, pardoned the soldier and gave him a post in his new regiment of guards.

Gregory Orlov, born in 1734, continued this tradition of boldness. Tall, handsome, and famously courageous, he became a favorite of the Grand Duchess Catherine (later Catherine the Great). When she was in a position to do so, Catherine rescued Orlov from being sent to Siberia for unspecified misdeeds.

Orlov and his brothers played crucial roles in the military insurrection that overthrew Catherine's husband, Peter III, in July 1762, placing Catherine on the throne. Though Peter III was imprisoned rather than immediately killed, he was strangled two weeks later by Gregory's brother, Alexey Orlov.

A Gift to Win Back Favor

As Catherine's favorite, Gregory Orlov enjoyed tremendous power and wealth. However, his ambition went further - he wanted to be recognized as Catherine's husband and co-ruler. Catherine seemed close to granting this wish several times, but ultimately, during Orlov's absence on a diplomatic mission in 1772, his rival Potemkin destroyed his standing with the Empress.

When Orlov hurried back to repair his fortunes, Catherine ordered him to travel abroad - her typical method of removing favorites who had fallen from grace. It was during this exile that Orlov learned of the magnificent diamond being offered for sale by Khojeh Raphael.

Knowing Catherine's love of jewels, especially diamonds, Orlov hoped to regain her favor with this extraordinary gift. While Catherine accepted the diamond, she did not welcome Orlov back into her good graces. Her affections had already transferred to another handsome face. Gregory Orlov spent his remaining years wandering aimlessly across Europe with occasional visits to St. Petersburg. He died insane in 1783.

The Diamond in the Imperial Sceptre

Though Catherine accepted Orlov's diamond gift, historical accounts suggest she never wore it as a personal ornament. Instead, the diamond was mounted in the Imperial Sceptre, where it has remained ever since. Unlike some other famous diamonds that have had tumultuous histories in European hands, the Orlov has led a relatively quiet existence in its role as part of the Russian regalia.

The sceptre, sometimes poetically called the "Triumph-stick," is used only at coronations, meaning the Orlov spends most of its time in secure storage. It emerges only for the elaborate ceremony of crowning a new Czar, after which it returns to seclusion.

The Russian Imperial regalia, which includes seven or eight crowns along with the sceptre and orb (or "Empire-apple"), is kept in the Kremlin in Moscow. These treasures are displayed on velvet cushions under glass cases when not in use.

The Orlov Diamond in Russian History

The Orlov diamond has been present at pivotal moments in Russian history. When Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812, the diamond and other imperial treasures were evacuated from Moscow and hidden safely in the interior as the Russians adopted their scorched-earth policy.

The diamond has witnessed the coronation of every Russian ruler since Catherine the Great, including Paul I, whose brief reign ended in 1801 when he was strangled in the tradition of his father.

One of the most unusual ceremonies involving the Orlov occurred after Catherine's death in 1797. Before her burial, her son Paul performed an "expiatory coronation" for his murdered father. The body of Peter III was disinterred and dressed in imperial robes, with the coronation ornaments arranged around the skeleton. In a macabre touch of justice, the two surviving murderers of Peter III - Prince Baratinsky and Alexey Orlov (brother of Gregory) - were summoned to attend as mourners. While Baratinsky repeatedly fainted, Alexey Orlov stood unflinchingly for four hours holding the pall of the man he had strangled 35 years earlier. After this grim ceremony, both were banished from Russia.

The Orlov diamond continued to play its ceremonial role in Russian state occasions. It was present at the coronation of Alexander II, whose reign ended with his assassination by Nihilists in 1881. Later, the diamond appeared during the installation of the Hetman Czarevitch, where the imperial regalia were displayed to the public.

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the Orlov Diamond has not been repurposed. Its role has transitioned from a symbol of monarchical power to a significant artifact, attracting thousands of visitors.​ The Orlov Diamond serves as a testament to Russia's rich history and the allure of one of the world's most famous diamonds.​

Characteristics of the Orlov Diamond

The Orlov diamond differs significantly from many famous European diamonds in both size and cutting style. With the exception of the dubious Braganza of Portugal, the Orlov is the largest diamond in Europe. Weighing 189.62 carats is nearly 50 carats heavier than the famous Regent diamond of France.

The cutting of the Orlov exemplifies the Eastern approach to gemstones. While European cutters prioritize mathematical precision and light performance, Asian lapidaries have traditionally valued size above all. The Orlov is cut in what is known as an "Indian rose" style. It's covered with many small facets designed to preserve as much of the original stone as possible rather than conforming to a precise geometric pattern.

This cutting style reflects Russia's position between East and West. While most Western European nations followed Cardinal Mazarin's lead in having Indian rose-cut diamonds reshaped into brilliants, Russia maintained the Asian tradition of preserving the Indian rose cut in its imperial diamonds.

Summary: The Legacy of the Orlov Diamond

The Orlov diamond represents more than just an extraordinary gemstone. It serves as a physical embodiment of power, ambition, and the tumultuous history of Russian royalty. From its origins as the eye of a deity in a sacred Indian temple to its permanent home in the Russian Imperial Sceptre, the diamond has witnessed centuries of intrigue, revolution, and ceremony.

Key points to remember about the Orlov:

• It weighs 189.62 carats, making it one of the largest diamonds in Europe.
• It was stolen from an Indian temple before making its way to Europe.
• It was purchased by Prince Gregory Orlov as a gift to win back the favor of Catherine the Great.
• It remains mounted in the Imperial Sceptre, stored in the Kremlin in Moscow.
• Its Indian rose cut reflects Russia's connection to Asian traditions.
• It has been present at every Russian coronation since Catherine the Great.

The Orlov's journey from sacred religious object to symbol of imperial power mirrors humanity's enduring fascination with these rare natural treasures. As it sits today in the Kremlin, it continues to represent both the splendor and the sometimes dark history of Russian imperial power.

Reference Material

Inspired by stories from the book by Adela Elizabeth Goddard Orpen, "Stories About Famous Precious Stones,"originally published in 1890, by D. Lothrop Company.