Cursed Indian diamond on display in UK

A rare black diamond, removed from an idol in India two centuries ago, has gone on public display for the first time in Britain. The so-called Black Orlov or 'Eye of Brahma' stone has taken its place alongside other world-famous gems, including a replica of the world-famous Koh-i-Noor in its uncut glory as presented to Queen Victoria, in an exhibition on diamonds which opened at the Natural History Museum in London.

The diamond was discovered in India in the early 1800s, when it weighed 195 carats. The diamond is believed to have brought enormous bad luck to at least three former owners, including two Russian princesses, who apparently killed themselves.

In an attempt to escape the alleged curse, the diamond was re-cut into three separate stones. The 67.5 carat stone known today as the Black Orlov, is set in a 108-diamond brooch suspended from a 124-diamond necklace. When the diamond exhibition closes in February 2006, the necklace will travel to California where an unnamed famous film star will wear it to the 2006 Oscars ceremony.

"In the middle of the 20th century the media christened it the 'Evil Death Gem' but I've never felt nervous about owning the Black Orlov," said diamond dealer Dennis Petimezas. "I've spent the past year trying to discover everything I can about the stone's melodramatic history and I'm pretty confident that the curse is broken," he said.