Diamonds are relatively common. You can find diamond jewelry in any jewelry store that you walk into. Many individuals own diamond jewelry. You probably have a piece or two yourself.
However, some diamonds are not like the rest. A select few have become famous throughout history for their size, color, and, in some cases, the dramatic stories surrounding them. Such is the case for the blue Hope Diamond.
What You Will Learn
What’s the Story Behind the Hope Diamond?
To truly understand the Hope Diamond value, you must first understand the story behind this notorious blue diamond. In many ways, the story adds to the diamond’s allure.
The Hope Diamond appeared first in the 1600s when a French gem merchant named Jean Baptiste Tavernier purchased it. The diamond is believed to have been mined in India. Immediately, the gemstone stood out for its intense blue-violet color.
Tavernier went on to sell the diamond to not just any average customer but to royalty: King Louis XIV. As part of the French crown jewels, the gemstone became known as “the French Blue.”
However, this French blue diamond would not remain in the hands of the French for long. During the French Revolution in 1792, the diamond was stolen and reappeared decades later, in 1812, in the hands of a London diamond merchant. Later, King George IV of England claims ownership of the diamond.
The diamond was sold again after the king’s death and eventually made its way to the family from which it gets its name: the Hope family, starting with Henry Philip Hope. Lord Francis Hope inherited and sold the diamond after Henry Philip Hope died.
In the years to follow, the diamond would change hands multiple times, from a wealthy Turkish diamond collector to various dealers, then to Cartier, another private buyer, and finally to Harry Winston.
Is the Hope Diamond Cursed?
The Hope Diamond changed hands many, many times over the centuries, and possibly for good reason: the Hope Diamond curse.
According to Rock & Gem magazine, the curse can supposedly be traced back to the stone’s origins. The story goes that before Tavernier claimed the stone, it was used to decorate a statue of a Hindu god, who then cursed the stone after it was stolen. That curse impacted nearly every Hope Diamond owner throughout history.
Just a few of the misfortunes to befall the gemstone’s owners?
Tavernier reportedly met his death after being attacked by wild dogs. Gangrene caused Louis XIV’s painful death. Louis XVI, of course, was beheaded during the French Revolution. The London diamond merchant who owned the diamond next committed suicide. King George IV died bankrupt. Even after the diamond moved out of royal hands, its following owners seem to endure bouts of death, poverty, and general misfortune.
Was this the cost of Hope Diamond ownership, or merely bad luck and circumstances? You’ll have to decide for yourself.
Who Owns the Hope Diamond Today and Where Is It?
Harry Winston was the Hope Diamond’s last private owner. The company donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958. The Hope Diamond necklace is now on display in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
How Big is the Hope Diamond?
The Hope Diamond’s rich history and drama are not the only factors that give it its value. Its specifications as a gemstone also make it stand out.
Here are the Hope Diamond’s need-to-know stats, as recorded by the Smithsonian.
- Weight: 45.52 carats
- Length: 25.6 millimeters
- Width: 21.78 millimeters
- Cut: Cushion
- Clarity: VS1 (high)
- Color: Fancy dark grayish-blue
How Much is the Hope Diamond Worth?
The Hope Diamond cost comes down to several elements. So, what exactly is the Hope Diamond price?
While it’s unlikely that the Smithsonian will ever put the Hope Diamond up for sale, the cost would be around $350 million if it did.
Is the Hope Diamond the Most Expensive Diamond in the World?
No. While the Hope Diamond is certainly pricey and has a fascinating history, there are other, more expensive diamonds in the world.
Among the world’s most expensive diamonds, there’s also the Cullinan Diamond, valued at $400 million and estimated as the largest rough diamond in existence, and the Kohinoor, which is technically valued as “priceless” and belongs to the British royal family.
Hope Diamond FAQs
TL;DR? We’ve got you covered with a few quick Q&As.
How much is the Hope Diamond worth today?
The Hope Diamond is estimated to be worth about $350 million, making it one of the most expensive diamonds in the world, though it is not the most expensive diamond in the world.
Was the Hope Diamond on the Titanic?
No. The movie “Titanic” does feature a large blue diamond, but that blue diamond is entirely fictional. The year of the Titanic’s sailing, Cartier sold the Hope Diamond to a wealthy Washington, D.C. socialite.
Who owns the Hope Diamond today?
The Smithsonian owns the Hope Diamond, which is on permanent display at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Which famous people owned the Hope Diamond?
Several famous figures and brands owned the Hope Diamond at various points in its long history, including King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Cartier, and Harry Winston.
Is the Hope Diamond the biggest diamond in the world?
No, the largest diamond in the world is the Cullinan Diamond, which weighed 3,106 carats upon discovery. In contrast, the Hope Diamond weighs 45.52 carats.
Protect Your Diamonds
Whether you buy a notorious diamond whose story is larger than the diamond itself or purchase a more modest diamond befitting the average budget, make sure you and your new diamond are safe from life’s little curses — like jewelry damage and loss.
That’s where BriteCo can help. Our comprehensive coverage ensures that all your jewelry can be replaced or repaired in case of damage, loss, or mysterious disappearance. Get your free quote today!
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