Sarah Carolyn was in Washington last week and got the opportunity to visit the Smithsonain and view the Hope Diamond. This display made such an impresssion that we had to find out more about this incredible gem.
Hope is More than a Feeling
No other gemstone in history has as much controversy, rumors, and history as the Hope Diamond. According to history, the stone was originally found in India. The exact date is unknown, but is believed to be around the late seventeenth century. The first recorded owner was Jean Baptiste Tavernier, whom the stone was originally named for, the Tavernier Blue, also known as “Le bleu de France”, or the Blue of France, and also as “Le Bijou du Roi”, the King’s Jewel. After India, it obviously wound up in France, and wound up in the possession of King Louis XIV, and later, his successor Louis XV.
From France to Britain
It was during the French Revolution, when Louis XV reigned, that the stone was stolen. On Sept. 11, 1792, thieves broke into the Palais des Tuileries where Louis XV was being confined, and stole the diamond, along with many other jewels. Later, after Louis’ beheading, the diamond was smuggled into Great Britain, where it was recut, and the larger piece was what has become known as the Hope Diamond.
From there, the diamond’s story varies, but it is known to have wound up in possession of King George IV. Later, after his death, it is said to have been seized as an effort to pay off a debt. Others say it was the King’s mistress who took it. Nobody knows for certain. However, records show that it fell into the hands of a banker in 1839, who died that same year. It was he who the Hope Diamond was named: Henry Philip Hope.
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From Britain to the US
After being handed down through the Hope family, and after going on display through Britain, and changing hands, it eventually found its way to the United States, where it still rests today. The diamond is on display at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.. It was the string of deaths from its previous owners that gave the diamond its most terrible rumor: The infamous curse that stated those who possessed it would meet an ill fate.
At McCaskill & Company…
We don’t have the Hope Diamond, but we certainly do have plenty of others with just as much fire and dazzle. Our designer collections, such as Daniel K, include fabulous diamond rings, engagement rings, diamond earrings, bridal jewelry, diamond bands, and more!Visit Our Site or stop by our store, located at 13390 Highway 98 West, between Destin and Sandestin, just two miles east of the Mid-Bay Bridge. We are open Monday – Saturday, 10AM – 5:30PM.
