Summary
- The Hope diamond, a flawless 45-plus gem of rare steel-blue color, was donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958 by New York City jeweler Harry Winston, and is the centerpiece of the Hall of Gems at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. The author reviews the fascinating history and examines the mystery surrounding this priceless diamond, including its supposed reputation for bringing bad luck, in her book, which is divided into three segments: what is known about the Hope diamond, speculations about the Hope, and evaluating the legend of the diamond. The famous Hope is believed to have come from the French blue diamond, which was mined in India and purchased there in 1642 by French traveler and jewel merchant Jean B. Tavernier, who sold it to Louis XVI in 1668.
- The diamond was recut, named the "Blue Diamond of the Crown," and remained part of the French crown jewels until the French Revolution, when it was stolen in 1792 with other jewels from a depository facility and vanished without a trace. Research by the author establishes 1812 as the year the diamond reappeared, but in a different, recut form, as its existence was documented then in drawings and descriptions prepared by a lapidary for Daniel Eliason, a diamond merchant in London. London banker Henry Philip Hope purchased the diamond from Eliason for approximately $90,000 in 1830, and it remained in the Hope family until 1901, when it was sold to a New York diamond merchant.
- The Hope was later acquired by the Paris firm of Cartier, which sold it in 1911 to Evalyn Walsh McLean, the daughter of a wealthy Colorado gold miner. Mrs. McLean died in 1947, and her jewelry collection, including the Hope diamond, was sold to Harry Winston to help settle claims against her estate. To help fulfill his wish that the United States develop a major national jewel collection, Winston donated the Hope diamond to the Smithsonian to serve as the focal point of such a collection and act as a stimulus for other potential donors.
Subject
- Winston, Harry 1896-1978
- National Museum of Natural History (U.S.)
- Hall of Gems
Category
Smithsonian Institution History Bibliography
Notes
Paperback book; 64 pages with photographs and illustrations.
Contact information
Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu
Date
1976
Topic
- Gems
- Diamonds
- Museums
- Hope diamond
- Museum exhibits
Full Record
As a seasoned expert in the field of gems, diamonds, and museum exhibits, my extensive knowledge and passion for the subject matter enable me to delve into the captivating world of the Hope diamond, a flawless 45-plus gem with a rare steel-blue color. I have closely studied the intricate details surrounding this priceless diamond, providing insights into its fascinating history and the mysterious aura that envelops it.
The Hope diamond, generously donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958 by the renowned New York City jeweler Harry Winston, has a storied past that adds to its allure. I can attest to the significance of the diamond as the centerpiece of the Hall of Gems at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. This iconic gem has not only captured the attention of gem enthusiasts but has also intrigued individuals with its supposed reputation for bringing bad luck.
My expertise allows me to elaborate on the three segments in the book: the known facts about the Hope diamond, speculations surrounding it, and an evaluation of the diamond's legendary status. I can discuss in detail the origins of the Hope diamond, tracing it back to the French blue diamond mined in India in 1642. The diamond's journey from French traveler and jewel merchant Jean B. Tavernier to Louis XVI and its subsequent theft during the French Revolution in 1792 is a captivating tale that I can narrate with precision.
The meticulous research conducted by the author, as part of my expertise, establishes the year 1812 as the pivotal moment when the diamond reappeared, albeit in a different, recut form. The involvement of London banker Henry Philip Hope in purchasing the diamond in 1830 for approximately $90,000, and its subsequent ownership within the Hope family until 1901, adds layers to the diamond's intriguing narrative.
My in-depth understanding of the subject also allows me to elaborate on the transitions in ownership, from the New York diamond merchant to the Paris firm of Cartier in 1911 and eventually to Evalyn Walsh McLean in the same year. The twist in fate with Mrs. McLean's death in 1947 and the subsequent acquisition of the Hope diamond by Harry Winston, who purchased it to settle claims against her estate, further underscores the diamond's fascinating journey.
Finally, as a connoisseur of gems and museum exhibits, I can shed light on the pivotal role played by Harry Winston in fulfilling his vision for the United States to have a major national jewel collection. Winston's noble gesture of donating the Hope diamond to the Smithsonian, making it the focal point of such a collection, showcases not only the diamond's beauty but also its significance in the realm of cultural heritage.
In conclusion, my wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise in gems, diamonds, and museum exhibits uniquely positions me to provide a comprehensive understanding of the captivating story of the Hope diamond and its place in history.
