The Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond
Known as one of the most desired jewels in the world, is the ‘Hope Diamond’ actually cursed? It is a rare blue color is due to trace amounts of boron atoms. There is not any exact information about the origin of the diamond. However, according to the earlier records, its history of the diamond dates back to the 1660s. It is said that the stone was bought by a French gem merchant named Jean-Baptiste Tavernier as the Tavernier Blue in 1666. Passing through many owners, it was given to the National Museum of Natural History of the United States in 1958 and has since housed in the museum.
| Name | Hope Diamond |
| Other names | Le Bijou du Roi, Le bleu de France, Tavernier Blue |
| Origin | Not clearly known it’s formed around 1.1 billion years ago Came in market in 1666 |
| Country / Location | Origin: India Presently in the custody of United States |
| Known for | most famous gemstone, cursed jewel |
Facts about The Hope Diamond
- There have been many rumors surrounding the diamond being “cursed”. It is said that it brings misfortune and tragedy to persons who own it or wear it. Many people believe the story to be true while many argue that it is just a fabricated story to enhance the stone’s mystery and appeal.
- Several accounts suggested, supporting the remarks written by French gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, who bought the gem in 1666, imply that the gemstone was created in India. According to the accounts it originated in the Kollur mine in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh.
- The diamond was stolen in the year 1791. It was cut into pieces with the biggest part accruing the name Hope.
- The name was given after the London banking family called Hope in 1839.
- It is the same diamond, that was often seen in the necklace of Washington socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean.
- New York gem merchant Harry Winston gave away the diamond to the National Museum of Natural History of the United States in 1958.
- It is also known by other names including Le Bijou du Roi, Le bleu de France, as well as Tavernier Blue.
- It is speculated that the wife of King George IV of the United Kingdom, Caroline of Brunswick, may have helped obtain the diamond for the British monarch, however that aren’t many records of it.
