The Story of Black Orlov Diamond

All the mysterious and strange stories on diamonds especially those carry a curse always been my fascination to do little research. For many years, diamonds are known for its status symbol for the rich people, its a symbol of pride and royalty. One rich stone which is known for its terrible curse, The Black Orlov or the "Eye of Brahma". The Black Orlov weights about 67.50 carats and was much larger than 195 carats uncut if we trace back to 19th century of India.This piece of gem was originated from the eye of a Hindu idol, most probably Lord Shiva based on the reference from external sources. Lord Shiva, the cosmic dancer is believed to have three eyes, where one as sun representing the light, the other as moon representing the darkness, eye located on opposite sides of the head. The third is located at the center of his forehead, believed to perceive knowledge and wisdom. This black diamond probably represents the moon the dark side of the eye. Based on the folklore, the diamond was believed to be pried out of the statue of the God by a travelling monk. Once the stone was pried out, the curse of the stone carried together where strange incident started to take place. Three former owners of the Black Orlov, a diamond dealer whom committed suicide and two Russian princesses, Nadia Vying Orlov and Leonila Galitsine-Bariatinsky who died within a month leaping from tall buildings. 

According to the legend, the Black Orlov took its name from the Russian princess Nadia Vying Orlov. During the1917 Russian revolution, Princess Nadia believed to be have fled Russia to the safety of Rome, Italy. After the tragic death of J.W Paris, Princess Nadia leaped to her death from a building in central Rome, which was believed to be a suicide. Then after one month of Princess Nadia's death, Princess Leonila leaped to her death again another suicide. At that time, Princess Leonila was married to Royal Navy Officer Prince Andre in which it is believed that she was the owner of the Black Orlov at that time.

In 1932, the diamond was imported to United States by a diamond dealer named Mr. J.W Paris who was in search for a buyer. Little he know about the diamond and its curse, he sold that diamond. Shortly after that, on April 7th same year, he jumped from the top of Manhattan skyscraper which situated in the heart of 5th Avenue. The rumors about his death was J.W Paris was suffering from extreme anxiety due to business worries. Finally in 1950's, in an attempt to break the curse, the diamond was re-cut by an Austrian Jeweler as requested by its owner, Charles F.Wilson. The cutting job took almost 2 years. The diamond then passed through many hands of private dealers, whom not affected by the curse. The 67.50 carat Black Orlov currently placed in a 108- diamond brooch, suspended from 124- diamond necklace which made appearance by actresses Felicity Huffman, star of the hit TV series. 

Reference : 

http://www.langerman-diamonds.com/encyclopedia/5-31/black-orlov-black.html 

http://www.blackdiamonds.co.uk/famousblackdiamonds.php