Society of Mines and Forges of Grisons, Switzerland, for £24,000. A dispute over the price led to an action at law and a verdict in favour of the Prince on June 1st, 1832. The stone was afterwards purchased by Sir Jamisetjee Jeejeebhoy in 1865, from the family of Prince Demidoff. It was sent from Bombay to London by Messrs. Forbes & Co., the agents for Sir Jamisetjee Jeejeebhoy, and was exhibited by M. M. Bapst at the Paris Exposition of 1867. During the tour of King George (when Prince of Wales) in India, the Sancy is said to have been worn at the Great Durba by the Marajah of Puttiali. In 1892 the beautiful gem passed into the possession of the Astor family it having been purchased by the Hon. William Waldorf Astor for his wife, Mary, daughter of James W. Paul, Esq., of Philadelphia, U. S. A. It now passes into the hands of the Right Hon. Viscountess Astor who wore it on taking her seat as the first lady elected as a member of the House of Commons. The writer is indebted to Lady Astor for her kindly interest in this book, and for a presentation of a handsome volume on the Sancy Diamond by William Waldorf Astor, published in 1892. The Sancy Diamond is described by Dr. Smith as of an almond shape, covered all over with tiny facets by Indian lapidaries. The weight is given as 53½ to 53¾ carats. Considered astrologically a diamond would be unfortunate for Charles the Bold who was born at Dijon 10th November, 1435. It would be considered fortunate for Henry IV of France in whose horoscope the planet Jupiter was ascending in the sign Libra. Jupiter being in the 12th Heavenly Mansion would be considered fortunate for secret negotiations and diplomacy, and it is worthy of notice that the Sancy Diamond should be employed as a powerful helper in these very matters. The sign of the Lion, the sign of France, is also on the Mid Heaven of the King’s nativity, and Leo is distinctly a diamond and Royal sign. It was a truly fortunate gem for King James II of England whose horoscope is here shown with the Royal Lion ascending. [Illustration: HOROSCOPE OF JAMES II The ancients would consider the diamond a symbol of fortune and adventure for this King. ] THE HOPE DIAMOND