The Orlov Diamond: Russia’s $400M Treasure & Its Cursed Black Twin
Two diamonds share the name “Orlov,” but their stories couldn’t be more different. One glitters in Moscow’s Kremlin as Russia’s most prized gem, a symbol of imperial power and romantic obsession. The other carries a reputation as one of the world’s most cursed stones, allegedly linked to multiple suicides and violent deaths.
The Orlov Diamond (sometimes spelled Orloff) is a 189.62-carat white diamond with a faint bluish-green tint, currently mounted in the Imperial Sceptre of Russia. Its journey from an Indian temple to Catherine the Great’s treasury reads like a spy novel, complete with disguises, theft, and a desperate count trying to win back an empress’s favor.
But there’s another Orlov, the Black Orlov Diamond, a 67.50-carat black diamond with a far darker reputation. Legend claims it was stolen from a Hindu idol’s eye and has been cursed ever since, bringing tragedy to nearly everyone who owned it. Three owners allegedly jumped to their deaths, earning it the chilling nickname “The Eye of Brahma.”
Whether you’re fascinated by gemstones, captivated by Russian imperial history, or intrigued by supernatural legends, these two diamonds offer everything: romance, theft, mystery, and tragedy. You’ll discover the complete Orlov diamond history from temple theft to royal treasury, understand what makes each stone scientifically unique, and finally learn where the Black Orlov Diamond now and whether its curse still haunts modern owners.
Let’s explore the parallel stories of two legendary gems that share a name but walked completely different paths through history.
The Orlov Diamond History: From India to Catherine the Great
The Orlov diamond history begins in India, though like many legendary gems, its earliest years are shrouded in legend and speculation.
The Temple Theft Legend
According to popular accounts from the 18th century, the Orlov Diamond originally served as the eye of a sacred statue in a Hindu temple in Srirangam (Tamil Nadu, India). The most commonly told version involves:
The theft: A French soldier deserted from his military unit, converted to Hinduism, and gained access to the temple as a worshipper. After years of earning trust, he waited for the right moment, pried the diamond from the idol’s eye socket, and fled.
Historical reality: Most historians doubt this colorful tale. The story bears suspicious similarity to legends about other diamonds (including the Hope Diamond and the Black Orlov). More likely, the diamond was acquired through legitimate trade channels in India’s thriving gem markets during the 1700s.
What we know for certain is that the diamond surfaced in European markets in the mid-1700s, already cut and magnificent.
The Amsterdam Years
By the 1760s, the Orlov Diamond was in Amsterdam, held by diamond merchant Ivan Lazarev, an Armenian trader with connections throughout Europe. The diamond’s exceptional size (189.62 carats) and unusual rose-cut style made it famous among European gem dealers.
The rose cut was unusual for a diamond this large—most major stones received brilliant cuts. The Orlov’s cutting style suggests it was fashioned centuries earlier, possibly in India during the Mughal period when rose cuts were preferred.
Count Grigory Orlov’s Desperate Gambit
Here’s where the story becomes romantic—and tragic. Count Grigory Grigoryevich Orlov was one of Catherine the Great’s most powerful lovers and the father of her illegitimate son. However, by 1774, Catherine had moved on to younger favorites, and Orlov was desperate to win back her affections.
Orlov’s plan:
- Purchase the world’s finest diamond
- Present it to Catherine on a significant occasion
- Hope the grand gesture would restore his position
The purchase: In 1774, Orlov paid approximately 400,000 rubles (roughly $40-60 million in today’s currency) for the diamond through intermediaries in Amsterdam.
The presentation: On Catherine’s name day (November 24), Orlov presented the magnificent diamond to the Empress, hoping this extraordinary gift would remind her of their past passion.
The outcome: Catherine accepted the diamond graciously and added it to the Imperial Treasury—but did not take Orlov back as her lover. She did, however, show gratitude by naming the diamond in his honor and granting him additional estates and titles.
The Count’s romantic gesture failed personally but succeeded in immortalizing his name. The diamond has been called the “Orlov” for 250 years.
Mounting in the Imperial Sceptre
Catherine the Great commissioned the diamond to be mounted in the Imperial Sceptre of Russia—one of the most important symbols of royal authority. The sceptre, created by court jeweler Jérémie Pauzié, features:
- The Orlov Diamond at the top, mounted in an elaborate setting
- The double-headed eagle (symbol of Russian Empire)
- Surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds
- Overall weight of the sceptre: approximately 1.6 kilograms
The diamond remained in this prestigious position through the reigns of all subsequent Russian emperors until the Revolution in 1917.
Soviet Era and Beyond
After the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution:
1922: The Soviets created the Diamond Fund to preserve Russia’s most important gems 1925-1945: The Orlov (along with other treasures) was hidden during times of political instability World War II: Evacuated from Moscow to protect it from Nazi invasion 1967: The Diamond Fund opened to public viewing in the Kremlin Present: Remains in the Moscow Kremlin’s Diamond Fund, on permanent display
Unlike many royal treasures sold or scattered during revolutions, the Orlov survived Soviet rule intact because authorities recognized its cultural and historical significance to Russia—transcending political ideologies.
The Orlov Diamond: Size, Beauty, and Scientific Perfection
The Orlov Diamond represents exceptional quality combined with historical romance. Let’s examine what makes this stone scientifically remarkable.
Physical Specifications
- Weight: 189.62 carats (37.924 grams)
- Cut: Rose cut (antique Indian style)
- Shape: Half-egg shape (high dome)
- Color: White with faint bluish-green tint
- Clarity: High quality with minimal inclusions
- Dimensions: Approximately 32 × 35 × 31 mm
- Classification: Likely Type IIa (purest diamond category)
The Unusual Rose Cut
The Orlov’s rose cut is historically significant. This cutting style features:
Characteristics:
- Flat bottom (no pavilion like modern brilliant cuts)
- Domed top with triangular facets
- Fewer facets than modern cuts (typically 24)
- Popular in 16th-17th century, especially in India
Why rose cut for such a large diamond?
- Preserves maximum weight from rough stone
- Traditional in Mughal India where it likely was cut
- Creates softer, more luminous glow rather than sharp sparkle
- Suggests the diamond was cut before European brilliant-cut techniques became standard
This antique cutting style actually adds to the diamond’s mystique and historical value. Modern gemologists view it as a time capsule—a glimpse into cutting techniques from centuries ago.
The Mysterious Bluish-Green Tint
The Orlov displays a very faint bluish-green hue under certain lighting conditions. This coloration results from:
Structural factors:
- Possible trace boron impurities (causing blue)
- Possible radiation exposure creating green centers
- Combination of both factors
This subtle tint doesn’t diminish the diamond’s value—if anything, it adds character and makes the stone more distinctive than perfectly colorless diamonds.
Value and Significance
Estimated value: $400-500 million (conservative estimates)
Factors affecting value:
- Exceptional size (189.62 carats)
- Historical provenance (Catherine the Great, Russian Imperial Treasury)
- Unique cutting style
- Cultural significance to Russia
- Impossibility of legal sale (part of national heritage)
The Orlov ranks among the top ten most valuable diamonds in existence, though its true worth transcends monetary calculation—it represents Russian imperial history and national pride.
Black Orlov Diamond: The Cursed Stone with a Deadly Past
Now we turn to the diamond’s dark namesake—the Black Orlov Diamond, one of the most notorious “cursed” gemstones in history.
Origins and the Curse Legend
The Black Orlov Diamond (originally 195 carats, now 67.50 carats) allegedly comes from India, where—according to legend—it served as the eye of a statue of the Hindu god Brahma in a temple in Pondicherry.
The curse origin story:
- A monk or priest stole the diamond from the sacred statue
- The theft angered the gods, placing a curse on the stone
- All subsequent owners would face violent, tragic deaths
- The diamond earned the nickname “The Eye of Brahma”
The Trail of Tragedy
The curse seemed horrifyingly real based on documented deaths:
Princess Nadia Vyegin-Orlov (1947):
- Russian princess who owned the diamond
- Jumped to her death in Rome
- The diamond took “Orlov” from her family name
Princess Leonila Galitsine-Bariatinsky (1947):
- Acquired the diamond shortly after Nadia’s death
- Also jumped to her death within months
J.W. Paris (1932):
- New York diamond dealer who imported the stone to America
- Jumped from a New York skyscraper shortly after acquiring it
These three suicides within 15 years created the curse legend. The pattern seemed too consistent to be coincidence—especially since all three chose the same method of death.
Breaking the Curse: Charles F. Winson’s Solution
In 1950s, American diamond dealer Charles F. Winson acquired the Black Orlov. Rather than ignore the curse stories, he took them seriously and devised a plan:
Winson’s strategy:
- Had the diamond recut into three separate stones
- Believed dividing it would “break” the curse
- The main stone became 67.50 carats (from original 195 carats)
- Two smaller stones were created from the remainder
The theory: Many curse legends involve whole stones—dividing it might interrupt whatever supernatural force (or psychological effect) caused the pattern of tragedies.
Was the Curse Real?
Arguments for supernatural curse:
- Three documented suicides in 15 years
- All three chose the same method (jumping)
- All three had direct possession of the stone
- Pattern ended after diamond was divided
Rational explanations:
- Coincidence—wealthy people in 1930s-40s faced many stressors
- Confirmation bias—we remember unusual coincidences
- Psychological suggestion—knowing the “curse” might influence troubled individuals
- Economic factors—Great Depression and post-war chaos affected many
- Cherry-picked data—other owners who lived normal lives are ignored
The verdict: Most historians believe the curse is folklore, though the documented suicides are real and disturbing. Whether supernatural or psychological, the Black Orlov’s reputation as a cursed stone persists.
Physical Characteristics
Current specifications:
- Weight: 67.50 carats (after recutting)
- Original weight: Approximately 195 carats
- Color: Black (actually very dark gray/green when backlit)
- Cut: Cushion brilliant
- Clarity: Opaque appearance (characteristic of black diamonds)
- Origin: Likely from Brazil or Central Africa (not India as legend claims)
What makes it black?
Black diamonds aren’t truly black—they’re polycrystalline diamonds filled with millions of tiny inclusions (graphite, hematite, or magnetite) that absorb light, creating the appearance of black color. When backlit, many black diamonds reveal dark green or gray tones.
Where Is the Black Orlov Diamond Now?
After its dramatic history, many wonder: where is the Black Orlov Diamond now? The answer involves multiple owners and a surprising current location.
Post-Curse History
After Charles F. Winson divided the diamond in the 1950s:
1969: The main 67.50-carat stone was sold to an undisclosed private collector
1990s: Appeared in various private collections and exhibitions
2004: Dennis Petimezas, a diamond dealer, purchased it and had it reset in a stunning platinum necklace
2006: Featured in a traveling exhibition about cursed diamonds at the American Museum of Natural History in New York
Current Status
Current owner: The Black Orlov Diamond is believed to be in a private collection, though ownership details are intentionally kept confidential for security reasons.
Last public appearance: 2006 exhibition in New York showcased it in a white gold and diamond necklace featuring:
- The 67.50-carat Black Orlov as the centerpiece
- 108 white diamonds totaling 215 carats
- Floating setting that allows light to reach the stone from all angles
- Estimated value of the complete piece: $5-7 million
Why the secrecy? Given the diamond’s curse reputation and substantial value, current owners prefer privacy. High-profile gemstones attract unwanted attention from:
- Potential thieves
- Sensationalist media
- Superstitious individuals who might harass owners
- General privacy concerns for wealthy collectors
Has Anyone Died Since the 1950s Division?
Here’s the most important question: Did dividing the diamond break the curse?
Post-1950s record:
- No documented suicides among subsequent owners
- No pattern of unusual tragedies
- Owners have reportedly lived normal, healthy lives
- The “curse” appears to have ended
Whether this proves Winson’s theory or simply reflects that the original “curse” was coincidental, the Black Orlov has been peaceful since its division—a dramatic contrast to its deadly reputation before 1950.
Orlov vs. Black Orlov: Two Diamonds, Two Destinies
Let’s compare these two remarkable stones that share a name but little else.
Size and Appearance
Orlov Diamond:
- 189.62 carats
- White with faint bluish-green tint
- Rose cut (antique style)
- Transparent and luminous
Black Orlov:
- 67.50 carats (current), originally ~195 carats
- Black (opaque with dark gray-green undertones)
- Cushion brilliant cut
- Absorbs light rather than reflecting it
Historical Journey
Orlov:
- India → Amsterdam → Russia (1774)
- Given to Catherine the Great
- Symbol of romance and imperial power
- Survived Russian Revolution intact
- Never left Russia since 1774
Black Orlov:
- Possibly India/Brazil → Europe → America
- Linked to three suicides (1932-1947)
- Symbol of curse and tragedy
- Divided to “break curse” (1950s)
- Currently in private collection
Current Location and Accessibility
Orlov:
- Moscow Kremlin Diamond Fund
- On permanent public display
- Anyone visiting Moscow can see it
- Part of Russian national heritage
Black Orlov:
- Private collection (undisclosed)
- Not publicly displayed
- Last seen in 2006 exhibition
- Ownership kept confidential
Cultural Significance
Orlov:
- Represents Russian imperial grandeur
- Symbol of Catherine the Great’s reign
- Important historical artifact
- Source of national pride
Black Orlov:
- Represents the “cursed diamond” archetype
- Popular culture fascination with supernatural
- Warning tale about greed and stolen sacred objects
- Famous for tragedy rather than beauty
Value
Orlov: $400-500 million (estimated) Black Orlov: $5-10 million (estimated)
The Orlov is far more valuable due to size, historical significance, and quality.
The Scientific Reality of “Cursed” Diamonds
Both diamonds illustrate humanity’s tendency to create supernatural narratives around rare objects. Let’s examine the psychology:
Why We Believe in Curses
Pattern recognition: Humans naturally seek connections between events Confirmation bias: We remember hits, forget misses Story appeal: Curses make better stories than “wealthy people had normal lives” Moral dimension: Theft from sacred places “should” be punished Mystery attraction: Unexplained deaths are more interesting than natural ones
The Reality of Gemstone “Curses”
Gemologists and historians generally agree:
- No scientific mechanism exists for curses
- Diamonds are crystallized carbon—inert material
- Documented “curse victims” often had other life stressors
- Many owners of “cursed” stones lived long, happy lives
- Selection bias emphasizes unusual deaths while ignoring normal ones
However: The psychological power of belief is real. If someone believes a diamond is cursed:
- They may unconsciously act in ways that fulfill the “prophecy”
- Anxiety about the curse could affect mental health
- The nocebo effect (negative placebo) could influence behavior
In this sense, curses can be “real” through psychological mechanisms, even if they’re not supernatural.
Visiting the Orlov Diamond in Moscow
Unlike the Black Orlov, the Orlov Diamond is accessible to anyone visiting Russia’s capital.
Location and Display
Museum: Diamond Fund Exhibition Hall Location: Moscow Kremlin, Kremlin Museums Address: Kremlin, Moscow, Russia
Display features:
- Climate-controlled bulletproof case
- Mounted in the Imperial Sceptre
- Surrounded by other Russian Crown Jewels
- Excellent lighting to show the diamond’s beauty
Visitor Information
Hours: Typically Friday-Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Thursdays) Admission: Separate ticket required beyond general Kremlin admission Price: Approximately 500-700 rubles (~$5-7 USD) Tours: Guided tours available in Russian and English Duration: Exhibition visit typically 30-45 minutes
What else you’ll see:
- Imperial crowns of Russian tsars and empresses
- Other exceptional diamonds and gems
- Historical regalia and ceremonial objects
- Catherine the Great’s jewelry collection
Photography and Security
Photography: Generally not permitted inside Diamond Fund Security: Strict—expect thorough screening Restrictions: No bags, cameras, or recording devices
The inability to photograph is frustrating but understandable given the extraordinary value of the collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Orlov and Black Orlov Diamonds
1. Are the Orlov Diamond and Black Orlov Diamond the same stone?
No, the Orlov Diamond and Black Orlov Diamond are two completely different stones that share only a name. The Orlov Diamond is a 189.62-carat white diamond with a faint bluish-green tint, currently mounted in Russia’s Imperial Sceptre at the Moscow Kremlin. It was given to Catherine the Great in 1774 by Count Grigory Orlov, and has been in Russia ever since. The Black Orlov Diamond is a separate 67.50-carat black diamond (originally 195 carats before recutting) with a reputation as one of the world’s most cursed gems, allegedly linked to three owner suicides between 1932-1947. The Black Orlov got “Orlov” from Princess Nadia Vyegin-Orlov, one of its unfortunate owners, not from Count Orlov. The two diamonds have completely different histories, appearances, and current locations—the only connection is the coincidental shared name.
2. What is the Orlov diamond history and how did it reach Catherine the Great?
The Orlov diamond history begins in India, where the stone was allegedly stolen from a Hindu temple (though historians doubt this colorful legend). By the 1760s, the diamond had reached Amsterdam’s gem markets, held by Armenian merchant Ivan Lazarev. In 1774, Count Grigory Orlov—one of Catherine the Great’s former lovers and father of her illegitimate son—purchased the enormous 189.62-carat diamond for approximately 400,000 rubles (equivalent to $40-60 million today). Desperate to win back the Empress’s affections after she had taken younger favorites, Orlov presented the diamond to Catherine on her name day (November 24, 1774). While Catherine graciously accepted the gift and added it to the Imperial Treasury, naming it in Orlov’s honor, she did not restore him as her lover. The Count’s romantic gesture failed personally but succeeded in immortalizing his name—the diamond has been called the “Orlov” for 250 years and remains one of Russia’s most treasured possessions.
3. Is the Black Orlov Diamond really cursed, and has anyone died since the 1950s?
The Black Orlov Diamond earned its cursed reputation after three documented owner suicides between 1932-1947: J.W. Paris (New York diamond dealer) jumped from a skyscraper in 1932, and two Russian princesses—Nadia Vyegin-Orlov and Leonila Galitsine-Bariatinsky—both jumped to their deaths in Rome in 1947 shortly after owning the stone. These tragedies created the legend of “The Eye of Brahma curse.” However, in the 1950s, diamond dealer Charles F. Winson recut the diamond from 195 carats to 67.50 carats, dividing it into three separate stones, believing this would “break” the curse. Since then, no documented suicides or unusual tragedies have occurred among subsequent owners. Whether Winson’s theory was correct or the original deaths were tragic coincidences, the curse appears to have ended after the division. Most historians believe the curse was never supernatural—rather a combination of coincidence, confirmation bias, and the psychological impact of believing in the curse.
4. Where is the Black Orlov Diamond now and can I see it?
The Black Orlov Diamond is currently in a private collection, with ownership details kept confidential for security and privacy reasons. After being recut in the 1950s to its current 67.50 carats, it passed through several private collectors. In 2004, diamond dealer Dennis Petimezas purchased it and had it reset in a stunning platinum necklace surrounded by 108 white diamonds. The last confirmed public appearance was in 2006, when it was featured in an exhibition about cursed diamonds at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Unlike the Orlov Diamond, which is permanently displayed at the Moscow Kremlin’s Diamond Fund and accessible to any visitor, the Black Orlov remains in private hands and is not on public display. Given its curse reputation and substantial value ($5-10 million estimated), current owners understandably prefer to keep its location and ownership private. While you cannot currently see the Black Orlov, you can visit Moscow to see the much larger and more historically significant Orlov Diamond.
5. How much are the Orlov Diamond and Black Orlov Diamond worth today?
The Orlov Diamond is conservatively estimated at $400-500 million, though its true value is incalculable because it’s part of Russia’s inalienable national heritage and cannot legally be sold. Its value derives from exceptional size (189.62 carats), historical significance (Catherine the Great’s most famous jewel), unique rose-cut style, and cultural importance to Russia. For comparison, diamonds one-third its size have sold for $30-70 million at auction, and the Orlov is exponentially more historically significant. The Black Orlov Diamond is valued significantly lower at approximately $5-10 million. While its 67.50-carat size is substantial and its curse legend adds intrigue, black diamonds are generally less valuable than colorless diamonds of similar size. Additionally, being in private hands rather than a museum or royal collection reduces its cultural premium. The complete necklace featuring the Black Orlov (with 108 surrounding white diamonds) was valued at around $7 million in 2006. Both diamonds’ values transcend simple appraisals—they represent history, legend, and human fascination with rare beauty.
Conclusion: Two Diamonds, One Enduring Fascination
The Orlov Diamond and the Black Orlov Diamond represent two sides of humanity’s relationship with precious gems—one story of romance and imperial grandeur, the other of tragedy and supernatural fear. Though they share a name, their journeys couldn’t be more different.
The Orlov diamond history is ultimately a love story—albeit an unrequited one. Count Orlov’s desperate attempt to win back Catherine the Great’s affections by presenting the world’s finest diamond failed romantically but succeeded in creating an enduring legacy. Today, the 189.62-carat masterpiece sits in Russia’s Imperial Sceptre, accessible to millions who visit the Kremlin, representing not just geological wonder but the romantic aspirations of a man who loved an empress.
The Black Orlov Diamond tells a darker tale. Whether its curse was real or imagined, three documented suicides created a legend that persists today. The question of where the Black Orlov Diamond is now reflects its journey from public notoriety to private silence—its current owners preferring anonymity over fame, perhaps wisely given the stone’s reputation. Yet the absence of tragedies since its 1950s division suggests either that curses can be broken or that they never existed beyond human psychology.
Both diamonds remind us that gemstones are more than crystallized carbon. They become vessels for our stories, fears, hopes, and dreams. The Orlov embodies romantic gesture and imperial power. The Black Orlov embodies our fascination with curses and the supernatural. Together, they demonstrate that the most valuable thing about legendary diamonds isn’t their monetary worth—it’s the human stories they carry through time.
Curious to see one of these legendary diamonds yourself? The Orlov Diamond awaits at Moscow’s Kremlin Diamond Fund, where you can stand before the same stone Count Orlov presented to Catherine the Great over 250 years ago. While the Black Orlov remains hidden in private hands, the Orlov offers something even more valuable—accessibility. Any visitor can witness this masterpiece, connecting directly with one of history’s greatest love stories, frozen forever in 189.62 carats of perfection.
Read more: The Regent Diamond: Untold Secrets of France’s $80 Million Crown Jewel
