THE KOH-I-NOOR ECLIPSED.

Temuka Leader, Issue 808, 31 December 1881, Page 3

THE KOH-I-NOOR ECLIPSED.

From all accounts the wonderful Koh-i-noor or “ Mountain of Light,” the property of her Britannic Majesty, is eclipsed by a recently-discovered diamond found in South, Africa, and now in the possession of Mr Porter-Rhodes who is, I believe, the fortunate discoverer of the gem. The weight of the newly-found stone is 150 carats. It is uncut, but from its peculiarly favorable shape is not expected to lose more than ten carats during the process. The diamond is a big as a very large walnut and is described as “ lake a hailstone in sunlight of a bewitching transparency and bnlliant whiteness no other precious stone can vie with.” Most Cape diamonds are of an inferior yellowish tinge, which detracts from the value of the stones, but this specimen is not only the largest ever discovered, but of a purity unsurpassed by any of his compeers. The stone was recently shown to the Prince of Wales at Marlborough House, and his best diamonds, when placed beside the Porter-Rhodes stone, were seen to be “ off colour.” Offers for his property flow in upon the lucky owner from all; parts of Europe. The first offer recieved was £50,000 ; the last made was £IOO,OOO The owner’s banks, I hear, are willing.to advance £60,000 against the security. The stone will not, it is thought, change hands under £200,000, which is just £50,000 more than the famous Koh-i-noor is valued at. Mr Porter-Rhodes asks the trifling sura of £300,000 for hia property, and does not seem in any hurry to dispose of it. It is rumored that a Russian Prince is in treaty for the jewel.