The Black Orlov
The Diamond That Jumped from the Empire State Building and Its Mysterious Legacy
The Black Orlov is a legendary black diamond most known for its dramatic history, including a notorious incident where it reportedly “jumped” from the Empire State Building in a suspected suicide. Originally of Indian origin, this 67.5-carat gem is often surrounded by stories of misfortune and tragedy, with several owners allegedly meeting untimely deaths.
The diamond’s story is filled with rumors of curses, mysterious ownership, and ties to royalty, which have kept collectors and historians fascinated for decades. Its dark allure and the accounts of people connected to its legacy make the Black Orlov one of the most talked-about gemstones in history.
The Origin and History of The Black Orlov
The Black Orlov, a striking black diamond of mysterious origin, has been linked for centuries to stories of intrigue and tragedy. Its journey spans continents, beginning in Russia and eventually reaching the United States, with each owner adding new chapters to its unusual history.
Discovery in Russia
The Black Orlov is believed to have been discovered in India in the early 19th century, but it became widely known after arriving in Russia. The diamond was reputedly set in the eye of a statue of the Hindu god Brahma before being removed and eventually making its way to Moscow.
Reports suggest the diamond entered Russia at a time when black diamonds were rare in European collections. It was later named after Princess Nadia Vyegin-Orlov, a member of Russian nobility. The stone’s dark color and substantial size—originally around 195 carats—set it apart from other gems cherished in Russian imperial circles.
Early Owners and Legends
Stories about the Black Orlov gained momentum as rumors circulated regarding its supposed curse. Two Russian princesses, including Princess Nadia, were said to have met tragic ends after owning the diamond, with both allegedly jumping to their deaths. Another tale involves a mysterious death in Rome attributed to the diamond's influence.
There is no solid documentation linking these deaths directly to the gem, but the legends persisted, weaving tragedy into the stone’s lore. Some reports connect these stories to the courts of St. Petersburg and Moscow during the 18th and 19th centuries, when such tales of cursed jewels were fashionable among Russian nobility.
Journey to the United States
In the early 20th century, after changing hands several times in Europe, the diamond was brought to the United States. By 1932, a gem dealer became its owner, only to die by suicide in New York, fueling its reputation as a cursed stone. Around this time, it was cut down from its original size and set into jewelry pieces.
Charles F. Winson acquired the diamond in the 1940s and recut it into three stones, with the largest, now known as the Black Orlov, weighing approximately 67.5 carats. Today, the diamond is most associated with the United States, but its Russian and European chapters remain central to its legend.
The Empire State Building Incident
The Black Orlov diamond is linked to a notorious incident in New York involving a dramatic fall from the Empire State Building. Details of the event, its direct aftermath, and widespread media attention captured public interest and fueled the gem's aura of misfortune.
The Infamous Fall
In the 1940s, one of the diamond’s owners—often identified as a Russian princess—allegedly leapt from the Empire State Building after parting with the Black Orlov. This story is one of the most cited legends surrounding the gemstone and is frequently mentioned whenever its history is discussed.
Eyewitnesses, according to local reports, noted the event occurred during daylight, drawing onlookers from across the Empire State's observation deck and nearby streets. The spectacle was further heightened by whispers of the diamond’s curse, already well known among New York’s social circles.
The story was not officially confirmed by authorities but persisted in newspapers, books, and later broadcasts, marking the event as a major episode in the diamond’s complex legacy.
Immediate Consequences
Immediate reaction to the fall was swift. Rescue teams arrived quickly, but the victim’s identity was initially withheld pending notification to family, later revealed to be a woman associated with the Black Orlov. Law enforcement secured the area around the Empire State Building, prompting temporary closures and drawing large crowds.
The diamond itself was not present at the moment of the incident, as it had reportedly changed hands prior to the tragedy. Nevertheless, the association between the gemstone and the event solidified the notion of its alleged curse.
The incident led to increased interest among collectors and jewelers in the U.S., with some seeing the Black Orlov as a dangerous but fascinating piece of history.
Media Coverage and Public Reaction
News outlets including ABC and national newspapers covered the event extensively. Headlines drew direct connections between the fall and the diamond, featuring interviews with jewelry experts, historians, and witnesses.
The story was later adapted into documentaries, with channels like HBO exploring the diamond’s troubled past and the specific details of the Empire State Building incident. Lists and timelines were published, tracking the Black Orlov’s owners and each unusual occurrence linked to it.
Public response ranged from fascination to fear, with many speculating about the truth behind the “curse.” The incident remains one of the best-known examples of how a jewel’s mythology can capture imaginations far beyond the initial tragedy.
Mystery and Curse of The Black Orlov
The Black Orlov diamond’s reputation stems not only from its origins but also from a series of misfortunes linked to its owners. Its legacy includes tales of scandal, strange deaths, and the growth of a legend that influenced popular culture in notable ways.
Stories of Misfortune
The Black Orlov is rumored to have been stolen from a Hindu temple, contributing to its aura of misfortune and curses. Bold claims suggest the stone originally served as a sacred eye in a statue before being removed. This origin story intensified the diamond’s reputation and fed persistent rumors of a supernatural curse.
Over decades, accounts surfaced of deaths and suicides connected to the diamond’s owners. Several incidents reportedly involved people jumping from tall buildings, including the Empire State Building. Sensational narratives often compared the Black Orlov's history to other notorious gems like the Hope Diamond.
Tabloid newspapers and penny dreadfuls helped spread stories of death, drama, and scandal throughout the 20th century. Though documentation is limited, the association with tragic fates persists.
Notable Owners' Fates
Among those linked to the Black Orlov are two Russian princesses, both of whom allegedly leaped to their deaths in the 1940s after owning the diamond. Another woman, a later owner, is said to have met a similar fate in Rome. The frequency and similarity of these incidents fueled the diamond’s fearsome reputation.
One of the most prominent buyers after these events was Charles F. Winson. Following his acquisition, Winson cut the diamond into three pieces. This act was believed by some to break the curse, though the legend survived.
No substantial evidence directly connects the diamond to any orphanage, Jewish biography, or involvement in opera, but its presence in tales of scandal and tragedy magnifies the mystique for those fascinated by stories of powerful objects with dark histories.
Cultural Impact
The curse of the Black Orlov transitioned beyond rumors and entered broader cultural consciousness. References to the diamond appeared in news stories, novels, and serialized penny dreadfuls, especially those fascinated by scandals and cursed artifacts.
Collectors and the public became captivated by the diamond’s story, which often overshadowed the true details of its provenance. The diamond’s legacy influenced the way other rare jewels were discussed in both literature and the media.
Today, exhibitions featuring the Black Orlov frequently highlight its grim reputation, weaving elements of the curse into storytelling approaches. While some accounts are exaggerated, the enduring fascination speaks to how deeply tales of misfortune and scandal can embed themselves in society’s understanding of rare and famous gems.
Physical Properties and Gemological Significance
The Black Orlov diamond draws attention because of its unusual color, distinct faceting style, and notable durability. Its features place it among well-known gemstones and invite comparison to other prominent diamonds, including those in crown jewel collections.
Unique Characteristics
The Black Orlov is a striking, cushion-cut black diamond weighing approximately 67.5 carats. Its color results from a dense concentration of inclusions, which give the stone its characteristic opaque appearance.
While most famous diamonds are transparent and highly lustrous, the Black Orlov stands out due to its steely, dark sheen and dramatic presence. It is cut with multi-faceted surfaces designed to maximize its reflective qualities despite its deep body color.
Most black diamonds are polycrystalline, and the Black Orlov is no exception. This internal structure differentiates it from clear single-crystal diamonds often found in royal regalia.
Hardness and Value
Like all diamonds, the Black Orlov rates a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the hardest and most durable substances known. This makes it highly resistant to scratching, an important factor in both jewelry and gemological applications.
Despite its durability, black diamonds can be more challenging to cut due to internal fractures and inclusions. This may affect their value in comparison to colorless stones, but the rarity and history of the Black Orlov increase its desirability on the collector’s market.
Market value for black diamonds is typically lower than that of high-quality colorless or fancy colored diamonds. However, stones like the Black Orlov, with historical significance and unique provenance, often command higher prices among collectors.
Comparison to Other Famous Diamonds
In comparison to transparent and vividly colored diamonds, such as the Hope Diamond or the Cullinan, the Black Orlov’s opaque, black appearance is highly distinctive. While it does not belong to official crown jewels, its aura and backstory place it in the same conversation as these legendary gems.
The Black Orlov is less optically brilliant due to its dense inclusions and black pigmentation. Unlike the colorless or deeply blue stones prized in European crown jewels, it draws interest for its rarity and unconventional beauty rather than outright sparkle.
A comparison table:
Diamond Name Carat Weight Color Noted For Status Black Orlov ~67.5 Black Unique history Private collection Hope Diamond 45.52 Deep blue Legendary curse Smithsonian Cullinan I 530.2 Colorless Size, brilliance British Crown
The Black Orlov in Modern Times
The Black Orlov diamond continues to draw fascination in the modern era, attracting attention at high-profile exhibitions and changing hands among prominent collectors. Its history as both a rare gemstone and a so-called “cursed” diamond only heightens public interest.
Exhibits and Public Showings
The Black Orlov has appeared at major international exhibitions over the last few decades, including notable displays at museums and special events. At the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, it was exhibited as part of an extraordinary diamond collection, drawing thousands of visitors. The diamond’s presence there allowed researchers and enthusiasts a close look at its unique deep carbonado structure.
It was also featured at London’s Royal Albert Hall, adding prestige to the venue’s array of rare and valuable objects. In North America, the stone has been shown at events in Canada, including a private event held in Toronto. Additionally, the diamond made an appearance at a leading convention center in Australia, highlighting its international appeal.
Special security considerations are standard during these showings due to the diamond’s value and notoriety. Its public display is usually accompanied by information panels outlining its Russian and Indian origins, as well as the “curse” tales that have become part of its legend.
Recent Buyers and Display Venues
Ownership of the Black Orlov in modern times has shifted from private collectors to internationally known dealers and exhibitors. Charles F. Winson, a jeweler, bought the stone in the mid-20th century and had it recut to its current form, helping to reshape its market appeal. There is no public record of recent transactions involving figures like billionaire Ad Ida Rion Dacks, Buchanan, or prominent investors from the Netherlands or New Zealand, but interest from high-value buyers is ongoing.
Recent venues displaying or being rumored as possible future locations for the Black Orlov include the Eiffel Tower and Buckingham Palace as part of traveling exhibits, though these have not been formally confirmed. Occasional private showings in luxury settings—such as in Nashville and exclusive events at the Library of Congress—underscore the stone’s cultural resonance. The diamond remains both a collector’s piece and a subject of fascination within elite circles, ensuring that its story continues to evolve.
Cultural Legacy and Influence
The Black Orlov diamond has prompted fascination in various cultural fields, especially for its notorious reputation and mysterious past. Its story continues to be reflected in visual and literary media, reinforcing the diamond’s entanglement with myth and intrigue.
In Film and Television
Films and documentaries have frequently referenced the Black Orlov due to its association with dramatic events, including claims that it was involved in tragedy at the Empire State Building. True-crime and “mysteries of history” programs sometimes feature segments about the diamond, emphasizing its supposed curse and dramatic ownership history.
Producers of ed doc have mentioned the Black Orlov in episodes discussing famous cursed jewels, analyzing how its legend has persisted. It has also appeared in television specials about infamous gems, typically focusing on imagery of the diamond and reenactments of key moments in its history.
Although the diamond has not been the central subject of a major motion picture, its reputation often surfaces in discussions of valuable or infamous stones in pop culture. This persistent media attention has kept public interest alive and informed new generations about its legacy.
Literary References
Writers have drawn inspiration from the Black Orlov, integrating it into novels, articles, and non-fiction books. Its dramatic story is often rehearsed in works about famous diamonds or cursed jewelry, particularly in publications by bookshop chains specializing in history and true crime.
Some fictional accounts use the Black Orlov as a plot device or metaphor for misfortune and obsession. In non-fiction, reputable guides and anthologies include detailed chapters, sometimes referencing lala as either a source or pseudo-historical figure associated with the diamond’s rumored provenance.
The diamond’s association with intrigue and tragedy makes it a frequently cited example when authors explore superstition, fate, and the enduring allure of valuable objects. These literary appearances help perpetuate its role as a notable object in cultural memory.
