The Most Famous Gems throughout History: The Hope Diamond Wearing jewelry has been fashionable in every civilization throughout history. From the simple shell necklaces of the Polynesians, to the ornate gold and jeweled bangles of the ancient Egyptians; the desire to adore ones self has transcended history and is a prominent symbol of culture and status. Archeology digs often procure jewelry, gems, trinkets and charms of past cultures and eras that are now displayed in museums across the world. The antique jewelry trade has developed into a big business, as people flock to auctions houses, vying for bids in order to own a little piece of history. With so many spectacular pieces out there, what makes a piece of jewelry or gem famous? Jewelry and gems which are connected with curses, mojo, folklore and renowned or notorious owners, are often the most celebrated, sought after and copied. From the vast gem collections of India’s Maharajahs, to England’s Crown jewels. Many of these gems are extremely old, have changed owners many times, and traveled around the world. This begins the tale of a treasured diamond that is as famous for its curses as it is for its dazzling beauty. The Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian The hope diamond otherwise known as “Le bleu de France” is perhaps the most famous gem in the world. This diamond as changed many owners, carat size and even shape over its lifetime. It’s journey began when French Merchant Jean Baptiste Tavernier purchased the diamond from a mine in India in the mid 1600’s. The diamond was somewhat triangular in shape and roughly cut, but had a spectacular blue color that Tavernier described as “beautiful violet”. The Merchant sold the diamond to King Louis XIV of France in 1668; it was re-cut by the court jeweler and was worn as a pendant on ceremonial occasions. In 1792 the diamond was stolen during a week long looting of the French crown jewels at the time of the French Revolution. It resurfaced in 1839 when it was purchased by Henry Philip Hope, mysteriously, there is no record of where or whom he purchased the gem from. Hope had the stone reset and christened it “The Hope Diamond”. Henry Philip Hope didn’t get to enjoy this beauty for very long, he died the same year it was purchased. After his death, the diamond didn’t stay in the Hope family for very long; it was quickly sold to pay off massive debts left behind by Henry. A series of different owners followed until it was purchased by Cartier 1909. In order to enhance the diamond’s marketability, Cartier really played up the diamond’s mystic, announcing to the world that it held special powers and was cursed. This paid off, as the gem gained worldwide popularity and notability. In 1910 the hope diamond was purchased by the flamboyant and eccentric American Socialite, Mrs. Evalyn Walsh McLean. She remounted the diamond into its present-day setting, a pendant incrusted by diamonds. Rumor has it; she didn’t treat the diamond like the rare and irreplaceable gem that it is. She kept it in a shoe box under her bed and often times lent it to friends; occasionally, she even let her dogs wear the diamond. The hope diamond stayed in her possession until her death in 1947. It was acquired by Harry Winston Inc, when they purchased Mrs. McLean’s entire jewelry collection in 1949. 10 years later, the diamond was donated to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC. You can visit it today at the Natural History Museum, where it is one of the most popular exhibits of all time.
Posted on: Sun, 03 Nov 2013 18:20:22 +0000
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