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| Ahmedabad Diamond of India origin famousdiamonds.tripod.com |
Among the diamonds of India origin, the Ahmedabad diamond is one among them. In terms of clarity, lustre and inclusion of impurities in the crystal, it is not one of the best in the world. However, it is one among the beautiful diamonds in the world which was first purchased in the city of Ahmedabad in the 17th century by the famous diamond connoisseur Jean Baptiste Tavernier. Over a long period of time, once a big diamond, was reduced to less than 80 ct.
The Ahmedabad Diamond, a 17th century diamond named after the city of Ahmedabad is of India origin was extracted from the famous Kollur open-cast mines (now abandoned) in the Krishna delta of present-day Andhra pradesh. Weighed originally over 1571/2 carats. It was cut into a 94.5 carat diamond according to a famous diamond expert and French world traveller Jean Baptiste Tavernier.
Edwin Streeter in his book World famous diamonds referred to the diamond as Ahmedabad diamond bought and cut by Tavernier for his friend in Ahmedabad. Apparently, it was the first reference ever made by a diamond expert. In 1676, having gained more than three decades of experience in diamonds, Tavernier detailed his studies in his book "Travels in India." It included descriptions of famous diamonds and rubies he had seen during his travels. His inclusion of relevant illustration accompanying the prominent diamonds was of great help to the diamond buyers and sellers. Over a span of 40 year period, he made six trips to the Asian countries and studied diamond cutting industries and mines in India.
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| Gemstone expert Frenchman Tavenier igi.org/gemblog |
Above image: The 17th Century trader of precious gems discovered the famous phenomenal 115 carat blue diamond which later became the French Blue and, ultimately, the Hope Diamond. The passion for gemstones drove the Frenchman to far off mystic lands where no foreigner had gone before. Tavernier’s daring exploits with single mindedness covered thousands of miles..................
The rare and remarkable gemstone Ahmedabad diamond, it is said, was one among the well known diamonds in the 17th century and the gem-cutting was done in Ahmedabad itself. Still today long held diamond cutting traditions continue in the state of Gujarat. Surat city is a famous diamond center in the world and the gem cutting done here on small diamonds,etc is on par with Antwerp of Belgium. Surat diamond cutting experts also know the difficult technique of turning diamond dusts into sparkling diamonds.
Notwithstanding two minor flaws, Tavernier bought the beautiful Ahmedabad diamond for his ''friend '' who was either the French sovereign head , Louis XIV of France, to whom he had sold several diamonds, among them two briolettes or famous collector of gemstones and irrational Mogul ruler -Emperor Aurangzeb (1659-1707). Both names, particularly the latter may match the description the 'best friend'.
The history of the diamond with respect to its ownership is unclear throughout and is clouded in mystery. Later it was owned by the wife of Oued ruler (Oued kingdom was part of UP) Begum Hazrat Mahal, wife of King Wajid Ali Shah of Oudh.
After the unexpected political turmoil of 1857 the British possessed the famous Ahmedabad diamond. In 1995, after a big hiatus the diamond, now further reduced to 78.86 carats resurfaced at Christie's auction held in 1995 and gem collector Robert Mouawad bought the historical diamond of Indian origin for approximately $ 4.3 million, a whopping sum in those days.
https://internetstones.com/ahmedabad-diamond-famous-diamond-2.html
https://famousdiamonds.tripod.com/ahmadabaddiamond.html
