Kalistan

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Kalistan Agrees to Gem Authentication
Extensive Background Checks and High Security in Place
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 14, 5591


Only Known Photograph of The Hulanevek Diamond, believed to be one of the 8 Gems of the Kadiyot, worn by Her Imperial Majesty

A cloak and dagger tale of missing artifacts, secret missions, and unimaginable wealth is unfolding currently, and suddenly, Kalistan has taken center stage.  The mystery surrounds the so-called Hulanevek Diamond, which was photographed for the first time on a pendant worn around the neck of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto upon her coronation.  Inquiries into the source of the massive diamond, which is judged to be more than 100 carats, traced the diamond back to an inheritance that the Empress' mother Pavlina acquired from Kundrati before she abdicated in favor of Carolina.  But the mystery around the stone has continued to grow from there.

Investigation into the source did indeed trace the diamond back to Kundrati, where it was removed from the Country by the powerful political dynasty, and sent to the scion of the Hulanevek Family, who happened to be Empress Pavlina I Ananto at the time.  It arrived in Kalistan and was given to Pavlina to give to Carolina upon her wedding day as a gift.  It since passed from there into the Crown Jewels collection where it is kept quite apart from the other vast assortment of gemstones, crowns, plaques and vast array of jewelry that is considered the personal patrimony of 15 generations of Anantos, passed from parent to child along the Main Line.  More than 25,000 gemstones are included in the Crown Jewels Collection, consisting primarily of diamonds, rubies, sapphires emeralds and amethyst, built up over time represent a fortune whose value has never been calculated, but which is estimated to be nearly 10 Billion Imperial Rubles.

But before arriving in Kalistan, the Hulanevek Diamond itself is shrouded in mystery.  It is allegedly one of the 8 gemstones coveted by the ancient ruling house of Beiteynu.  It is rumored to be cursed, and it is widely sought after by at least a half dozen nations who have made repeated private efforts to either buy the stone or trade it for something that Kalistan may want.  But its actual identity has never been fully authenticated.  Royal Jewelers in Kalistan have been able to verify that it is a flawless 110 carat oval diamond with about 1.35 length to width ratio and and Ideal cut, table representing about 58% of the diamond face, and the depth of the diamond representing about 59%, weighing 22.015 grams.   The gem cutter who cut this particular diamond was an expert craftsman.  The gemsmiths couldn't verify an origin, however, because the gem itself is older than modern diamonds which are laser printed with identifying information that lists their source.

Beyond that, the gem's origins are unknown.  All Kalistan was able to ascertain about the gem was that it was sent to Kalistan by the Hulanevek family in Kundrati for safekeeping, was then mounted into an exquisite cross which was displayed on the breast of Empress Carolina I Ananto during her coronation, and has been hidden ever since.  To officially verify the Gem's origin, therefore, Her Imperial Majesty's Government has agreed to welcome Beiteynese authenticators to Kalistan to verify that the gem is indeed one of the eight gems of Beiteynese legend.  

The team will travel first to Kaliburg where they will have the opportunity to meet with the Empress in Informal Audience to discuss the social history of the Gem in the hands of the Anantos.  Following that, Beiteynese investigators will travel to Eveari, where the gem is believed to be located, to view the stone.  The location of the viewing will remain classified.  Only two Beiteynese authenticators will be allowed to view the stone and none shall be permitted to handle it.  Armed guards will be present and at the ready to ensure that nothing untoward occurs in the room.  In addition to the two Beiteynese Authenticators will be Lord Harold Kennedy, Her Imperial Majesty's Crown Jeweler and Lady Olivia Montenegro, the Director of the National Establishment of Antiquities, who will also work with the Beiteynese to help authenticate the gem.  Lord Kennedy was present when the gem was transferred to the possession of Empress Pavlina.

The four civilians will be accompanied at all times by armed guards, and will be provided with a separate set of clothing when entering the secure facility to ensure that there are no switches made.  There will also be cameras in the room documenting all actions by the viewers.  The authentication team will be searched before and after entry to ensure that the gemstone remains in place, and after the viewing, the stone will return to its vault, safely out of access to anyone else.

Lord Kennedy eagerly await the arrival of the Beiteynu to know, for certain, just what he has on his hands in his capacity of Crown Jeweler, and looks forward to knowing for certain more about the origin of this gem.

@TheRepublic