In the heart of 1853 Brazil, amidst the arduous labor of diamond mining, a black female slave unearthed a stone of immense proportions – a 254-carat diamond that would alter the course of her life forever. This discovery sheds light on the established customs within these mines, where even the smallest finds could earn a slave meager rewards. As noted by Edwin Streeter, the reward for unearthing a diamond weighing eight to ten carats was merely "two new shirts, a suit of clothes, a hat, and a handsome knife." However, the sheer magnitude of this particular stone warranted an unprecedented act of benevolence: the slave was granted her freedom and a lifetime allowance.
Casimiro de Tal, the slave's master, remained oblivious to the true value of the diamond. He unwittingly sold it for a mere £3,000 to a shrewd buyer. This new owner, recognizing the stone's potential, secured a substantial loan of £30,000 from the Bank of Rio de Janeiro, using the diamond as collateral.
The diamond's journey culminated in Amsterdam, where it was entrusted to Voorzanger of the esteemed firm of Coster, the same artisan who had previously cut the legendary Koh-i-Noor diamond. His skilled craftsmanship transformed the rough stone into an exquisite oval-shaped gem, weighing 128.80 carats and measuring 35 mm long, 29 mm wide, and 19 mm deep. This remarkable transformation not only showcased the artistry involved in diamond cutting but also symbolized the profound transformation in the life of the slave who discovered it, forever linking her destiny to the brilliance and allure of this culture extraordinary gem.