Famous Gems and Beaded Jewelry: The Orlov Diamond

Famous Gems and Beaded Jewelry: The Orlov Diamond

Though it’s said to have come from India, like so many rare beaded jewelry pieces and gems, the Orlov Diamond’s story really takes place in Imperial Russia.

In the 18th century, Grigory Orlov was quite the ladies’ man. He wasn’t of noble birth, or particularly well educated, but he was strong, handsome, and rich enough to give women expensive beaded jewelry whenever he liked. There came a time, however, when his eye fell on the wrong woman.

November 16, 2012 — Leslie Hedrick