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Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 156, 2 July 1892, Page 5

It is not very easy to make out which is the largest diamond now in ' existence. Two are mentioned as entitled to the honour-— the Braganza in the crown of Portugal, aid one which belongs to the Rajah of Mattan in Borneo. The Portuguese jewel is (of doubtful quality. It weighs 1,680 carats and is the sizo of a hen's egg, but is believed to be onjy a white topaz. The Portuguese Government withholds any information on the subject, but if its is genuine it is worth nearly £60,000,000. The Borneo gem was found on an island about 120 years ago and weighs 367 carats. The Orloff diamond in the Russian imperial sceptre weighs 194g carats ; Catherine 11. gave £90,000 for it, and pensioned the merchant who brought it to her at £4,000 a year. It is easily to understand a reluctance to have diamonds cut. The advintaees of cutting are nob always very plajn, while the enormous diminution of weight which commonly ensues affects che public estimation more than ihe increase of brilliancy.—'Jewellers' Review.'