STORY OF A DIAMOND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22353, 29 August 1934, Page 4

STORY OF A DIAMOND

ONCE A CROWN JEWEL. Among the jewels formerly in the regalia of England was a diamond of great 'beauty and value, with which is connected a very remarkable history. It was once the property of Charles the Bold, last Duke of Burgundy, who wore it in his hat at the battle of Nancy, in which he lost his life. After the battle it . was found by a Swiss, who sold it to a priest for a trifle, and it afterwards became the property of a French nobleman named de Sancy. The treasure remained in the possession of his family for more than a century, and ultimately was owned by Count do Sancy, who was captain of the Swiss Guard • under .Henry 111 of France. Henry at length found himself unable to pay his soldiers, and borrowed the diamond that he might place it in the hands of the Swiss Government as a pledge for the fulfilment of his engagements. The count entrusted the diamond to one of his most faithful followers for conveyance to the King; but the messenger ami treasure disappeared. De Sancy had great confidence! in the probity of his servant, and felt convinced' some misfortune had happened to him; and, after persevering in his inquiries, discovered that his follower had been waylaid and murdered by a band of robbers, and, the body concealed in a neighouring forest. De Sancy instituted a careful search, which resulted in the finding of his messenger « remains, * He next gave directions to have the body opened, when, to the astonishment of all but de Sancy himself, the treasure was discovered. It was now clear that the poor fellow, on finding himself beset beyond the possibility of escape, had swallowed the diamond rather than that it should fall into the hands of the robbers. The diamond is known as the “Sancy,” and was purchased for the crown of England; but James II carried it with him in hi s flight to France in 1088. Louis XV is said to have worn it at his coronation. In 1835 it was purchased by a Russian nobleman for £BO,OOO.