The Kasikci Diamond is among the world’s most famous diamonds. Let’s dive into the story of the Kasikci Diamond together.
The Story of the Kasikci Diamond
The Kasikci Diamond then sold this stone for 10 Akçe to a jeweler. The jeweler shared his find with a friend; when they realized it was a valuable diamond, he pleaded for silence. A dispute ensued, drawing the attention of the Chief Jeweler. The jeweler’s boss acquired the stone by bribing the thieves with a pouch of coins each. However, the situation caught the attention of Grand Vizier Köprülüzade Fazıl Ahmet Paşa, who was preparing to claim it when the issue reached the sultan. Sultan Mehmet IV ordered the diamond to be brought to the palace, and when processed, a rare 48 carat diamond emerged. The jeweler, holding the rank of Gatekeeper, was rewarded.
While there are various stories about why the famed diamond in the Topkapi Museum is called The Kasikci Diamond the truth lies in the oval cut of the diamond, resembling a spoon. The account of how the diamond arrived at the Ottoman palace is more of a legend than fact.
Legend has it, in 1774, a French officer named Pigot bought the diamond from Madras and brought it to France. When it was later put up for sale, Napoleon’s mother purchased it, wearing it for a long time. However, when Napoleon was exiled, his mother had to sell the diamond to save her son. A man representing Tepedelenli Ali Pasha in France bought the diamond for 150,000 gold coins and brought it to the Pasha.
During Sultan Mahmud II’s reign, Tepedelenli Ali Pasha was executed for rebellion, and his wealth was seized and sent to the Ottoman treasury. The Kasikci Diamond once bought by Napoleon’s mother, thus entered the treasury this way.
Kasikci Diamond bought it and sold the stone for 10 Akçe to a jeweler. Upon realizing the stone’s value, the jeweler sought silence. A conflict broke out, involving the Chief Jeweler. Eventually, the jeweler’s boss secured the stone by bribing each thief with a bag of coins. Yet, this time the Grand Vizier, Köprülüzade Fazıl Ahmet Paşa, heard of it and was preparing to claim it when the sultan became involved. A letter from Sultan Mehmet IV ensured the diamond was brought to the palace and presented there. When the stone from Eğrikapı dump was processed, an exquisite 86-carat diamond was revealed. The jeweler, with the rank of Chief Doorkeeper, received his dues.
The Kasikci Diamond Diamond is encircled by two rows of 49 diamonds, creating the appearance of a bright full moon shining amongst the stars in the night sky.
How Many Carats is the Kasikci Diamond?
The Kasikci Diamond is 86 carats and is one of the most famous 22 diamonds in the world.
How Much is the Kasikci Diamond Worth? How Many Grams?
A diamond weighing 17.2 grams or 86 carats is recognized as a significantly large diamond compared to others in the world. It is surrounded by a double row of 49 smaller diamonds and possesses a golden yellow hue.
Where is the Kasikci Diamond?
The Kasikci Diamond is displayed at the Topkapi Palace Museum.