3-011-633 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Loan Collection, South-Kensington, 1862. 'Large hemispherical cat's-eye (supposed to. be the largest known). It is mounted in massive pure gold, set with ruby cabochons in the Oriental setting. Taken from the King of Kandy when conquered. Diameter, 1½in. A. J. B. Beresford Hope, Esq'. Kandy was a kingdom of Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and a very important source for quality cymophane chrysoberyl. One of the King of Kandy's cymophane chrysoberyl gemstones weighing 313.50 carats was given to Queen Victoria in 1886. This one became known as the Kandy Cat's Eye. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.