The diamond weighed 110.5 carats. She later lost her husband and suffered a stroke, which damaged her brain. Evalyns purchase of the gem serves as a testament to her status as a wealthy woman. It is in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, at the top of the jewelry collection. The Hope Diamond is one of the most well-known and expensive diamonds in the world. How to Select a 2k Diamond Engagement Ring? According to legend, the curse began with the Tavernier Blue, the forerunner to other huge diamonds, including the Hope Diamond, which was discovered later. A Dutch jeweler named Wilhelm Falls was responsible for cutting the 115-carat Hope Diamond down to the 45-carat Blue Hope Diamond that we see in the museum today. When it was first discovered, the Hope Diamond is estimated to have weighed 122.2 carats. Simon Maoncharides was a Greek trader who acquired ownership of the diamond and subsequently sold it to Pierre Cartier in 1910. The project was supported by Barbara Barrett, a board member and husband of Craig Barrett. In 1949, Evalyns surviving children sold the diamond to a well-known jeweler for money. AMNH, New York City. Taylor-Burton Diamond However, reports of a curse continued, and he was eventually compelled to sell the diamond to pay off his debts. Its now housed at the Smithsonians National Museum of Natural History, where millions of people come to admire it. Evalyn took the bait and that evening, before she went to bed, she placed the diamond on her dresser. Only after it was cut did the diamond . Evalyn Walsh McLean was a wealthy heiress who, in 1912, purchased the Hope Diamond from Pierre Cartier for a sum of money. The jeweler donated the 45.2-carat diamond to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958, shipping it to the institution via the United States Postal Service for only $2.44 in postage and $155 in insurance. When the priests discovered that the gem had gone missing, they cursed whoever it had. Sir Francis sold it to a local dealer in London, Joseph Frankels in New York, and Selim Habib sold it to S.H. Henry Philip Hopes son later sold the diamond, and he had his own business troubles. In 1812, the Hope Diamond resurfaced in the hands of London diamond merchant Daniel Eliason but only weighed 45.52 carats. I would often stand in front of weary and pressed Ranger students after a few weeks of excruciating training. It is now displayed at the National Museum of Natural History, having been donated by . He shipped the gemstone to America and changed the setting to an oval frame of smaller diamonds that enhanced the large blue Hope in the center. It is also classified as a Type IIb diamond, the rarest natural diamond that has very low levels of nitrogen impurities and phosphorescence, and glows red when exposed to ultraviolet light. The Hope diamond is as famous for its exceptional size and color as it is for its scandalous 350-year history, which reads like a thriller. The Hope Diamond is a 45.52-carat (9.104 g) diamond originally extracted in the 17th century from the Kollur Mine in Guntur, India. The Hope Diamond is a 45.52 carat blue diamond with a cut of emerald. These buyers gave the Hope diamond a high price and the title of nobility. Please find below the This King Louis reigned for 72 years & once owned the Hope Diamond answer and solution. Though the gem was magnificent, it was not easy to locate a client who was wealthy enough to afford it, fanatical enough about diamonds to need a large blue one, and brave enough to disregard the curse. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. It has been in the Smithsonian since 1941, and it is still on display. Following the death of Henry Philip Hope in 1839, and after much litigation, the diamond passed to his nephew Henry Thomas Hope and ultimately to the nephew . A noted author and historian, Joseph has received rave reviews for his books, Queen of Diamonds and his latest book . Because it was stolen from an Indian idol, it is said to be cursed. The hope diamond was in her possession when the depression hit and the family lost her fortune. Stolen in 1791, it was recut, with the largest section acquiring its "Hope" name when it appeared in the catalogue of a gem collection owned by a London banking family called Hope in 1839. All rights reserved. TheDiamondAuthority.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. In 1901, Simon Frankel, an American diamond merchant, purchased the Hope diamond and shipped it to the United States. Best diamond industry news since 2004. As with Tutankhamuns tomb, many associated with him were unfortunate enough to learn of Louis XVIs execution. A cut-down piece of the French Blue resurfaced in London two decades later, and the financier Henry Philip Hope bought it in 1839 (the diamond is now known by the family's name). . For older Jeopardy Questions and Answers we recommend you to visit our archive page. The dazzling blue Hope Diamond, weighing 45.52 carats, is now in the collection of the National Museum of Natural History.A century ago, however, the diamond was owned and worn by a Colorado mining heiress. Plato once wrote that diamonds embodied the celestial spirits of living beings. His house was destroyed by fire, adding to his string of misfortune. This is due to the trace content of pine in the stone. Diamond Rings: Which Style Suits Your Occasion? It is a diamond recut from the " Bleu de France ". impurities caused by the presence of boron atoms, resulting in a blue hue. By March 1911, two months after the sale had been agreed upon, Pierre was so frustrated by his clients endless delaying tactics that a series of exchanges with Louis in Paris led the brothers to file a legal suit against the McLeans. The Hope Diamond is one of the most well-known and valuable diamonds globally, and it is also one of the most expensive. A very wealthy and magnificent ruler, Louis refined diamonds to make them one of the crown jewels. Shortly afterward, James Todd, the postmaster who carried the diamond to the Smithsonian, was reportedly involved in a car accident, losing his leg. All rights reserved, A Bird In The Hand: Diagnosing Emotional Problems In Diamond Doves, Where Can I Buy Goods Diamonds At An Affordable Portrait, Selling A Diamond Earring: What You Need To Know, How To Choose The Right Setting For Your Loose Diamonds. The misfortune attributed. The Pink Diamond: Pretty, Popular and Pricey? Then, in 2009, Dr. Francois Farges found a long-lost lead cast of the stone. After going through numerous owners, it was sold to Washington socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean who was often seen wearing it. While the Hope Diamond is now a museum piece, there are many stories about the Hope Diamond. A part of the diamond bearing the Hope name first appeared in an 1839 gem catalog belonging to the Hope banking family, and the main section of the diamond was stolen in 1791 and recut. Very mysterious. The Hope Diamond is currently owned by Harry Winston Inc. Diamond Buying: A Daunting Process Made Simple, Propose With a Diamond Engagement Ring from Jared. However it is currently insured for a value of $250 million. The Hope Diamond, also known as the Kings Jewel, the French Blue, and the Tavernier Blue, is a big deep-blue diamond that weighs 45.52 carats (9.104 g) and is set in a pendant by the French jeweler Toison d. The Hope Diamond. The Hope Diamond, which is on loan from the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., is on display. The French Blue was passed down to Louis XVI, who wore it during the reign of Marie Antoinette, and we all know what occurred after that! Despite the fact that the diamond is said to be cursed, it is still an extremely valuable and beautiful piece of jewelry. Francesca Cartier Brickell is a direct descendant of the Cartier family. . Pierre and his brothers, Jacques and Louis, could be hot on the buying scene in Paris, where so many of the best gemstones came to market, while simultaneously discreetly spreading the word of their new purchase overseas. I cannot help it if I have a passion for them, Evalyn admitted. The gemstone, which is now called the Hope Diamond, was formed deep within the Earth more than 1 billion years ago! When it reappeared in 1812, the diamond was in the hands of a London-based diamond dealer named Daniel Eliasson. The Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian. The Taylor-Burton Diamond, a diamond weighing 68 carats (13.6 g), became . Did Elizabeth Taylor once own the Hope Diamond? The Hope diamond is one-of-a-kind. Mrs. Evelyn McLean, a Washington socialite, didnt even make it onto the ship. Almost all of his children and grandchildren died, so he was succeeded by his five year-old great grandson Louis XV. This was where Cartier, with its multiple branches and increasingly impressive global client list, started to come into its own. The first owner of the diamond was Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a French gem merchant who reported the possession of an "incredible blue diamond" and named it "Tavernier blue." Tavernier didn't mention how and where he acquired the stone. The Hope Diamond is an antique blue diamond dating back to the 17th century and hails from the Kollur mine in India. During the French Revolution, the diamond was taken and recut to its current shape. A graduate of Oxford University, she is a sought-after international lecturer on Cartiers illustrious history and has given talks for major auction houses, museums, and societies. King Louis XIV acquired the Hope Diamond in 1668. Zell & Sons Fine Jewelry in New York, New York the value of the gem is $350 million. Her great-great-great-grandfather founded the world-famous firm in 1847. For the next six years, the Hope Diamond will be kept in the safe of Joseph Frankel and Sons. But it is the largest blue diamond a fabulously rare color that . Between the 5th and 15th century, diamonds were referred to as miracle stones because it was believed they had magical healing powers. Hang in there, Men You will soon be . It was said that the Titanic sunk in 1912 because the Hope Diamond was aboard. It was donated by Harry Winston in 1958 and receivesover 100 million visitors a year. However, in 2009 they insured it for $250 million. After less than ten years of showing diamonds in the United States, he generously donated the stone to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958. Abdul Hamid was a Turkish sultan who owned the diamond in the early 1900s. King . The Hope Diamond, which was not on the Titanic, sank in 1912. Take this with a grain of salt, because it's never been proved: Jean-Baptiste Tavernier stole the 115.16-carat blue diamond from a Hindu statue, where it was serving as one of the eyes. The Hope Diamond, briefly owned by Pierre Cartier Afterwards, it was the turn of the new owner, the American broker Frankel, to go bankrupt. Rock Star: Glamorous socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean wearing the Hope Diamond. The original thief, for example, was torn apart by wild dogs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. His manner was exquisitely mysterious, Evalyn remembered, as he placed an intriguing-looking package sealed with wax seals before them. The beautiful blue Hope Diamond made its way to New York, and between 1902 and 1907, it was owned by Simon Frankel and kept in the William & Theodore safe. He eventually sold it to another king, this time George IV of England. But its not just history that adds value. If he couldnt sell it, Cartier would be left with a dent in its cash flow that could severely hamper the entire firm. Experts estimate the age of the stone to be 1.1 billion years old. The King purchased the diamond from Tavernier, and it was referred to as The Blue Diamond of the Crown or the French Blue. King Louis XIV died of gangrene after a long illness. Sell Your Ring. They describe the color as a chic dark grey-blue. When Louis XV passed away, his grandson, Louis XVI, ascended to the throne, with Marie Antoinette as his consort. According to legend, the Hope diamonds owner is cursed, a curse that arose when the gem was stolen (from an Indian idol) from the owner. Frankel, for example, hadnt been able to find a buyer for seven years, after which time his finances were in such a dire strait that he was forced to sell it at a distressed price. The jewellery is, however, based on a real diamond, the 45.52-carat Hope Diamond. The diamond is on display at the National Gem and Mineral Collection in Washington, D.C. Evalyn paid Cartier more than $8 million for the D-color diamond, which is the most expensive diamond ever purchased. The setting is a circlet of smaller white diamonds on a chain of diamonds. The Hope Diamond is a 45.52-carat blue diamond that is now on permanent display at the Smithsonian Institutions National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. The Smithsonian Museum is the current owner. Oh, and his house was destroyed by fire. Associated Press The Cartiers were relieved: Having large gemstones in stock played. In the following decade, the Hope diamond was sold to a New York dealer, a Turkish diplomat, a French diamond expert, and an American jeweler named Pierre Cartier. In 1947, it was sold to settle her debts, and she died the same year. The standard answer for the Hope Diamond value is of course that no value can be put on it, it is priceless. Powered by The Diamond Authority. 1912 Delaunay owned by former owner of Hope Diamond heading to auction. . Was the Hope Diamond ever found? This question aired on June 8 2022 episode of Jeopardy! Unlike other diamonds, blue ones are renowned for their hardness, thermal and optical properties and chemical resistance. The notoriously cursed 45-carat blue Hope Diamond, once known as the Tavernier Blue, was one of these. TheDiamondAuthority.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Legend has it that the diamond once lay in the statue of the goddess Sita, wife of Rama, the 7th Avatar of Vishnu, serving as her eye. In the early 1900's, the Hope Diamond was owned by several jewelry enthusiasts and jewelers until it made its way to the United States. In 2011, the companys market value would be between $250 million and $350 million. Copyright 2019 by Francesca Cartier Brickell. Amora Gem vs Diamond: An Even Rarer Option than the Diamond. The two met at the church of Russel Monseigneur, where lightning rained on the church building. One of the world's most famous diamonds has a Colorado connection. Jewish high priests utilized diamonds to determine guilt or innocence. The Pink Diamond: Pretty, Popular and Pricey? The Cartiers were relieved: Having large gemstones in stock played havoc with the firms cash flow until they were sold. Tavernier sold the stone to King Louis XIV of France in 1668 after having it cut and christened the French Blue (Le bleu de France). A separate collision resulted in his suffering a concussion. The deep sapphire blue Hope Diamond, also known as the "Tavernier Blue," "Le Bijou du Roi" (the King's Jewel), or "Le bleu de France" ("the Blue of France"), is an enormous 45.52 carats.This diamond, described in the 1900s as a "good sized horse chestnut,"[1] but shaped like a pear, was supposedly discovered in India in the seventeenth century. Where was the Hope diamond found? France was undergoing a period of political upheaval at the time of Louis XVIs execution, and nine months later, his wife was executed as well. The diamond achieved notoriety as a result of the celebrity of its owners. A momentous occasion is claimed to have been marked by the wearing of the diamond by Nicholas Fouquet, a courtier who worked for King Louis XIV. It has changed hands numerous times, leaving a path of unlucky fortune and presumably ill luck in the wake of its previous owners. The Hope Diamond later became a symbol of royalty and was used by King Louis XIV of France in his Order of the Golden Fleece pendant. TheDiamondAuthority.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The gem is slightly lopsided, possibly because the bottom of the teardrop shape was cut away so that the original stolen jewel could not be identified. Several huge diamonds that Tavernier sold to Louis XIV, presumably in 1673, are depicted in his book, the Six Voyages (French: Les Six Voyages de J. When he died in 1884, he left the estate and the Hope Diamond. The Hope Diamond has left the Smithsonian only four times since it was donated. Answer (1 of 2): Harry Winston bought the Hope diamond, rumored to be cursed, and it's in the Smithsonian in Washington DC. The Hope Diamond, the largest of all blue diamonds, 45.52 carats, exhibited at the National Museum of Natural History. Best diamond industry news since 2004. It is believed that a mob slew her particularly heinouslyshe was decapitated, stripped, and disemboweled, among other things. The Story of the Hope Diamond Which Ruined Its Owners' Lives Shortly after King Louis XIV died, the French Blue Diamond was transferred to Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette. After Hopes death, the diamonds were passed on to his nephew Henry Thomas and then to Sir Francis Hope, Henry Thomas grandson. Point of No Return: The bill for the Hope Diamond, which Cartier sold to the McLeans for $180,000 in 1912. After all the legal fees, the firm ended up taking a loss. The diamond was owned by several people before being sold to a famous New York jeweller, Joseph Frankl Sons & Company, who took an uncalculated risk with its purchase and saw the markets for diamond resale decline sharply afterward. Answer (1 of 5): The Smithsonian in D.C. since the late 50's. As a gemologist for nearly 40 years (and I've seen it at it's present home in the National Museum of Natural History), I never found it to be all that beautiful. Sun King. For many years, no one knew where the diamond had disappeared to. Photo courtesy Smithsonian Institution. McLean lost her first son and daughter when they were nine. It transferred to several other owners in the succeeding years. The blessing took place in the church of Russel Monseigneur. In 1839, it was rediscovered in the catalog of a gem collection held by a family of London bankers known as the Hopes. He found the perfect target in Evalyn Walsh McLean, a billionaire heiress who is actually a gold miner. The weight of the Hope Diamond for many years was reported to be 44.5 carats. For the scientific community, the Hope diamond has facilitated a rare study of the formation of diamonds, thanks to its enormous size. They were well aware that an American heiress would relish the idea of parading a unique jewel from the chic French capital in front of her peers back home. Surprisingly, however, the original 112 3/16 carat stone purchased from Tavernier was called un beau violet (beautiful violet). And yet Pierre was in no doubt that it was a risk worth taking. . It is believed to have been around 112 carats originally and was placed in the brow of a temple idol. It was only when a pure-hearted person, Harry Winston, donated rather than sell the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution that the curse was broken. Legend has it that in India the Hope Diamond was originally found embedded in an idol. It was with this in mind that, in 1910, he invested in a gemstone so large and important that it represented an enormous risk. It is not known how much McLean paid for the Hope Diamond. Colored diamonds, especially blue ones, have electrical properties that are semi-conducting. The diamond went to Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in 1968, selling at auction for a price of $307,000.00. After taking the diamond, Tavernier is supposed to have developed a severe fever and passed tragically shortly after the incident. While some individuals believe that he was the true ManMan in the Iron Mask, other reports doubt this assertion. The young couple, it was widely reported, had far more money than sense. The diamond is referred to as one of the Golconda diamonds because of its shape. Even figures such as McLean himself were partly drawn to diamonds because of these stories. The most obvious source of a diamonds value is beauty. The Hope Diamond has owned several historical personalities. At 45.52 carats, the Hope diamond is a heart-stopping, blue-tinged sparkler extracted from the Kollur Mine in India in the 17th century. In 1947, the diamond was sold to Harry Winston, who hoped to share it with the public. She died with a mountain of debt on her shoulders. The Hope Diamond. However, May Yohe, the ex-wife of Thomas Hope, warned her against buying the Hope diamond. Then I put the chain around my neck and hooked my life to its destiny for good or evil.. If the diamond caused any sort of trouble for him, he kept it well under wraps. The Hope Diamond was originally owned by King Louis XIV of France and was set in the crown of the Order of the Golden Fleece. The thought most gemologists adopt according to Diamond Cutters International is How can you set a value on the only one of something?. Pierre Cartier and American Royalty Evalyn Walsh McLean (1886-1947), wearing the Hope Diamond circa 1914. Most expensive Tiffany Lamps. Ever since that day, she would later declare, Ive worn my diamond as a charm. The sale was finally concluded in early 1912, with the McLeans trading in the emerald from the Star of the East pendant they had bought a couple of years earlier to help pay for the Hope. The Hope Diamond toured the court of jewels, raising funds for local good causes. As ever more prestigious clients rolled into his New York boutique at the turn of the 20th Century, Pierre Cartier [grandson of Louis-Francois Cartier, founder of the eponymous jewelry brand] was insistent that the firm remain true to its original aim: We must never lose our current reputation; in other words, we must sell only large jewels.. It was most recently owned by Dani and Mirella Levinas. Tavernier described the Hope Diamonds color as a beautiful violet. However, the source of the Hope Diamond remains a mystery, with many claiming that it was stolen from an Indian idol. The strange phenomenon simply adds to its mystery. It was resold to Pierre Cartier in 1910. At the time it was a crudely cut triangular shape but its color was described as beautiful Violet by the buyer Tavernier.. Tavenier later sold the blue diamond to King Lois the 14th of France in 1668 with 14 other large diamonds & several other small ones.. Later in 1673 the stone was recut by the kings court jeweler Sieur Pitau resulting in a 67.125 carat stone. In its original form, it was fixed at 112 carats. The Hope Diamond was originally owned by Peter the Great. The Hope Diamond is 45.52 carats with a fancy deep grayish-blue color. The Hope Diamond has been in the possession of the Smithsonian Institute since it was gifted by Harry Winston. Amora Gem vs Diamond: An Even Rarer Option than the Diamond. This deep-blue diamond weighs 45.52 carats and is worth over USD 350 million. His son ended up murdering him and then . She was only a temporary holder of the allegedly cursed gem, and she passed shortly after. Gordon Beall The sellers were Dani and the late Mirella Levinas the former is chair emeritus of The Phillips Collection. She quickly got rid of the Hope Diamond after the family's newspaper went bankrupt and her daughter died of an overdose. . Our mission is to spread accurate information about the diamond industry, diamond marketing and related businesses through a combination of our website, newsletters and social media platforms. Several people have owned the diamond, including Washington socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean, who was frequently photographed wearing it. Shortly after its discovery, it fell into the hands of an itinerant French merchant named Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, who brought it to Europe. She was spooked by the warning. It didnt have a history when it was eventually sold to Louis XIV, but it was definitely worth it, attracting men who wanted to be one. We dont have any photographic evidence that Marie was wearing the stone, but thats the tale were going with. In 1911, Washington Post publisher Edward Beale McLean paid $154,000 for the Hope Diamond, then the worlds most expensive gem. The Hope Diamonds history is not well-documented. Cartier was not interested in selling diamonds to other dealers but instead turned to Americas wealthy socialites. It is one of the greatest treasures in the world that would have an enormous amount to tell us if only it could talk. . Winston owned the Hope Diamond, Briolette of India, and many other famous diamonds. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, he was educated at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, and is the president and founder of Hope Diamond Collection. Despite the incredible value of the Hope Diamond, the owner was bankrupt. In December 1988, a team from the Gemological Institute of America visited the Smithsonian Institution to evaluate the Great Blue Stone using modern technology. The Hope Diamond was purchased by Evalyn Walsh McLean, a woman from Washington, D.C. McLean wore the Hope diamond around her Great Dane, Mike. . Read the following passage, and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions. She tied the diamond around the neck of her Great Dane dog, Mike, or held lavish garden parties where she hid it in the bushes and insisted the guests join in her favorite game: Find the Hope. It has been owned by wealthy merchants and some of the most well-known individuals within the jewelry world, including Pierre Cartier and Harry Winston. The hope diamond then passed through several dealers, including an American jeweler named Pierre Cartier. He ascended to the position of supreme monarch and had the diamond recut and transformed into a crown jewel. Many might have taken this as a sign to back away, but not Evalyn. It then formed under tremendous pressure from deep within the earths crust. The Hope Diamond has a long and colorful history. "OK, Men you are starting to look different. The Hope Diamond has a long and storied history, having once been owned by King Louis XIV of France, who had it cut into a triangular shape and set it in a ceremonial pendant. The diamond was awaiting its blessing on a velvet cushion, when seemingly on cue, lightning flashed and thunder shook the building. The story goes that the curse began with the Tavernier Blue, which was the precursor to several large diamonds, including the Hope Diamond. According to legend, there are rumors that she even wore the diamond on her dogs collar. Joseph McLean Gregory is the great-grandson of Evalyn Walsh McLean. This ManMan served for King Louis XIV and is claimed to have donned the diamond on one of his royal engagements. The Hope Diamond was purchased by Evalyn Hope. Pierre retraced the gemstones famous history for his captive audience, from its prominent place among the French crown jewels for more than a century, to a London lord and a Turkish sultan, and now all the way to their very hotel room in Paris. We will avoid it as much as possible. And yet there was no question in Pierres mind that it had been worth it. It was mined in India. Still, according to experts, its also important as a rare scientific specimen that can provide critical insights into our understanding of diamonds and how they are generated on the earth. He even had a client in mind who he suspected would be enticed by it. Our mission is to spread accurate information about the diamond industry, diamond marketing and related businesses through a combination of our website, newsletters and social media platforms. In 1839, the diamond was acquired by Henry Thomas Hope, which is how it got its name. Her surviving children sold the diamond to famed jeweler Harry Winston. The following are some of the stories, legends, and people who owned the hope diamond: According to the earliest known documentation, the Tavernier Blue diamond was purchased by French gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier in 1666. In future, we will have to think very carefully before taking legal advice. In 1668, King Louis XIV purchased it from Tavernier. It was said that the Titanic sunk in 1912 because the Hope Diamond was aboard. The Hope Diamonds history is a complex one. She brought it to a church for a blessing, although she didn't believe in curses. The diamond is reminiscent of the cursed Koh-i-Noor diamond, and it is an interesting piece of jewelry in and of itself. Since then, the Hope diamond has become a centerpiece of the museums collection and is the second most popular art piece in the world after the Mona Lisa. The stone is known as one of the Golconda diamonds. The story of the precious stone could be told in a film. Gem Fatale: The notorious Hope Diamond on display at the Smithsonian, where it has resided since 1958. The last person to privately own the diamond - an American socialite named Evalyn McLean - had her daughter die of an overdose, her son die in a car crash, and her husband leave her for another woman. Often little is known about their history. The Hope Diamond's bloody history begins many, many centuries ago. The Hope diamond was once owned by several notable historical figures, including King Louis XIV of France. The mailman who delivered the diamond may have been the last to have been directly touched by the Curse. The Hope Diamond came to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in 1958. . Two years later, when Evalyn and Ned were back in the French capital, Pierre made an appointment to meet them in their hotel. Amora Gem vs Diamond: An Even Rarer Option than the Diamond. B. Tavernier), which may be found in the Library of Congress. The current owner, Evalyn Walsh McLean, believes that the Hope Diamond's bad luck has been a blessing in his life. The history, curses and myths surrounding the Hope Diamond is actually a parable about the cardinal transgression of greed. The Inside Story on Diamond Appraisals and Tolerance. King George IV of England owned the Hope Diamond next and died completely destitute. The American heiress Evalyn Walsh McLean couldnt get enough of jewels. Published by Ballantine Books, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. A 1839 gem catalog noted that the next known owner was Henry Philip Hope who gave the stone its name. The first story attributed the thief who stole the Hope Diamond to drowning, and another one claims that his son, Selim Habib, was a king. After the court jeweler cut it down to 67 carats it was named the Blue Diamond of the Crown. During the French Revolution in 1792, it was stolen from the royal family after King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were beheaded. 123 Demo Blvd, Miami, FL 4567, United States+1 123-456-7890[emailprotected], 2022 The Diamond Authority. Shortly after King Louis XIV died, the French Blue Diamond was transferred to Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette. Eventually, it was owned by jeweler Pierre Cartier who had the blue diamond reset into a contemporary design with the circle of 16 white diamonds attached to a diamond necklace. Evalyn Walsh McLean, an American socialite and diamond collector, owns the Hope Diamond, which is smaller and better suited for a Great Dane. 123 Demo Blvd, Miami, FL 4567, United States+1 123-456-7890[emailprotected], 2022 The Diamond Authority. After the death of Louis, the diamonds passed to his sons and grandsons, eventually to Louis XVI. Contents 1 Classification 2 Physical properties 3 History 3.1 Geological beginnings 3.2 India 3.3 France How big was Elizabeth Taylor's Hope Diamond? It is not, as museumgoers sometimes assume, the largest diamond in the world. Jean Baptiste Tavernier sold the stone to King Louis XIV in 1668, and he named it the Tavernier Blue. The Cartiers may have shied away from taking out advertisements in the early years (Louis particularly felt they were beneath a great jewelry maison favored by royalty), but they were more than happy to have their name spread by the press alongside pictures or social updates of their famous clients. McLeans daughter, Evalyn, was often seen wearing the Hope Diamond and it became known as the Mclean Diamond. Following McLeans death, Evalyn fell on hard times and was forced to sell the diamond to pay for her husbands gambling debts. The blue diamond in question is the largest blue diamond ever unearthed to date. McLean often wore it and was photographed wearing it. It was originally used as one of the deco. The stone was discovered in a collection of jewelry she had collected from various sources. It was ripped out of the idol by a French merchant and the Hindu priests became so angry they cursed it. Despite this, the diamond has been worn by many different women over the years and is currently owned by the United States government. 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