Illustrations of Indian diamonds from 'The Six Voyages of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier' in English translation (London, 1677-1678). Jean-Baptiste Tvernier was a French writer, traveller and trade merchant. He amassed a small fortune through his expertise and trade in diamonds and precious stones. During his travels to Turkey, Persia, India and other countries of south east Asia, he befriended many of the greatest Oriental potentates and was privileged to inspect the treasuries of the Grand Mogul. He was also one of the few westerners ever to gain access to the fabled Indian diamond mines. Tavernier recounted his journeys in his publication 'Les Six Voyages de J B Tavernier'.