The Hope Diamond

The Hope diamond has become somewhat of an icon in today's culture.  Not only is it a must see at the Smithsonian, but Harry Winston devotes a page to it. The world also recognizes it as one of the most perfect and legendary diamonds in history. Yes, most of us know its a blue 45+ carat stunner.  But did you know that the diamond was cursed, stolen, and recut? It was not only a French, but a British Crown Jewel AND was possessed by a handful of wealthy American socialites. They say it brought misfortune to those who possessed it. We did a little research and here's our shortened version of the Life of the Hope Diamond:

http://mineralsciences.si.edu/hope.htm

-  On an Indian Statue: the diamond originated from a mine in India and was believed to have adorned the Forehead of an Idol in a statue of the Hindu goddess Sita. It was said to carry a deadly curse.

- Stolen by a French trader: In 1642, Tavernier, a French traveller supposedly stole the diamond. He made money from its sale, but was attacked by a pack of rabid dogs and killed

- French Crown Jewels: In 1668 the diamond was sold to King Louis XIV of France. It became known as the "French Blue". It remained a crown jewel for 120 years. Louis died by guillotine.

- Stolen! In 1792, the diamond was said to be stolen from in Paris from a repository called the Garde Meuble. 

-  Found again and sold to the King of England:  In 1812 the diamond was said to be in the hands of Mr. Daniel Eliason, a diamon mechant from London. That same year,  the King of England purchased diamond. When he died in 1830, the diamond was sold to pay off his debts. 

- Got its name: In 1839 a  blue diamond was entered in the gem collection catalog of the newly deceased Henry Philip Hope, the man from whom the diamond now takes its name.

- The Hope diamond moved from owner to owner: all of whom fell to misfortune whether it be suicde, murder, accidents, etc.

- Diamond Moved to the US: Ned McLean paid the bargain price of $154,000 for the diamond. Vincent, his son, died in a car crash, and a daughter died from a drug overdoes. McLean's wife became addicted to morphine, and Mclean himself died in an insane asylum. Mrs. McLean passed away in 1947, leaving the hazardous heritage to six grandchildren.

- Aquired by 1949 Harry Winston

- Dontated to the Smithsonian: On November 10, 1958 Harry Winston Inc. Donated the Hope diamond to the Smithsonian Institution which occasionally shows the Hope at exhibits and charitable events all over the world.

http://www.harrywinston.com/HopeDiamond.aspx?section=our-story

Carat: 45.52
Cut: Cushion antique brilliant with a faceted girdle and extra facets on the pavilion.
Clarity: VS1. Whitish graining is present.
Color: Deep grayish-blue

Fun Fact: Seen the movie Titanic?  The heart shaped blue diamond that  Cal gives to his fiance Rose is based on the Hope Diamond

Source: http://www.diamonds-are-forever.org.uk/hope-diamond.htm, http://www.weird-encyclopedia.com/hope-diamond-curse.php

Comments

[Sur]

Brilliant..

[Hope Diamond]

Simply Awesome..Love the color and the history behind the diamond. Would love to just see it once if not own it.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th7hEvqX7CU It's brilliant and stunning.. Nice post. Definite eye catcher.