Smyrna times., 1859-08-18
Russian Crown Diamonds-Romantic.

huSSldn OIOWu DIdInO1uS-nOIudu duC1CI
Among the crown diamonds in thesGreasury
OF the Cars al Moscow are two of remarkable
value. One is the size of pigeons egg, aud
is called the "Orlotf." The other is in the
form of an irregular prism. This is named the
Shah" and II is of the breadth and almost
the length of the little finger. 1t formerly be-
longed TO the Sophis, and was one of two enor.
nous diamonds hich oruamented the throne OF
Nadir Shah, and which we're called the " Sun
OF the Sea and the Moon Of the Mountain" "
Here is the story:
When Nadir was assassinared his treasures
were pillaged, and his precious stones divided
among few soldiers, who caaetully concealed
hem. An Armenian named Shatras, resided
al that period at Bussora, with his two brothers.
One day an afghan came to him, and offered
for sale the large diamond, {" The Moon of the
Mountain" as well emerald, ruby OF
fabulous size, a sapphire of the finest water,
called by the Persians the Eye-of Allah" and
number of other stones, for the whole of
which he asked such a moderate sum that Shat
ras suspected that they had not been honestly
come by, and told him to call again, as he had
no money in the house. The Afghan, fearing
that Shatras was going to act with treachery
toward him, left The place, and could not again
every search for him.
Some years afterwards III" elder brother met
the man at Bagdad, who told hIm that he had
just sold all his precious stones tor 65,OU0 pias
tres and pair of valuable horses. Shatras
had the residence OF the purchaser, who was
Jew, pointed out to hun, nd he went 20 hIm
and offered him double the price he had given
for them, but was refused The three brothers
then agreed to murder the Jew and rob him of
his purchase, which they did, and OH the follow
ing day poisoned the afghan, and threw both
The bodies into the river. A dispute soon arose
between the brothers as to the division OF the
spoil, which terminated III HE Shairas getting
rid OF his two brothers ny poison, utter which
he fled to COustantInOplC, and thence to Hoi-
land, where he made known The riches he pos
sessed, and offered them for sale to he differ
ent Courts Of Europe Catharne ii proposed
to buy the Moon of the Mountain only.
Shafras was requested to come to Russia, and
he was introduced TO the Court leweller. The
terms demanded by Sharas were letters OF no.
bility, life annuity of 10000 roubles, aud
S500,0O0 roubles, payable by equal lnstaIments
in ten years. Count Bann, who was then min
lister, delayed the settlement of the bargain as
long as possible, and in the meantime had the
Armenian led into such eXtravagances tAat he
fell into debt, and when the munster iound that
he had no means of paying what he owed, he
abruptly broke OFF the negotiation. Shatras
according to the laws OF the country could not
leave until his debts should be paid, and the
court jeweller prepared to take advantage OF
his embarrassments, and intended that the dla-
mond should fall into his hands for its value
Shafras, however, discovered the trap that had
been laid for him, and disposlng Of some of the
less valuable stones among bis cOuntrymen paid
his debts, and disappeared. Agents were sent
after him who had orders 10 assasslnate aud rob
him, but he esca ped them.
Ten years after, while he was at Asrachan.
renewed offers were made to him, but he retus-
ed to enter into any negotiations unless the bar
gain should be settled at Smyrna. Catharlnt
accepted, and became the possess0r OF the dla-
mond for letters of nobility, 60OOOO roubles
and 10000 paper roubles, making together
about two and half millions of francs. SAa'
fras, not being able to return to this country
where he would haYe had to give an account
of two homcdes and two fatrcides, fixed HIM
self at Astrachan, where he married country
woman of his and had seven daughters. One
of his son-in-laws poisoned him for the sake
possessing his share of his property. The I'M
mense fortune which the murderer had acqulr
ed (from ten to twelve millions) was divided
and soon spent, by his successors, and severa
of the grandchildren of Shafras are now LIVING
at Astrachan in abject misery.