On this day in history, November 10, 1958, one of the world’s most iconic gems — the Hope Diamond — found its permanent home at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The 45.52-carat blue diamond, valued today at an estimated $350 million, remains one of the museum’s most-visited and admired treasures.
A Gem Born from the Heart of India
The Hope Diamond’s story begins in the 17th century at the Kollur Mine in Guntur, India — once part of the legendary Golconda diamond region, known for producing some of the most flawless stones in history. Its striking blue hue, caused by trace amounts of boron, and its remarkable size have helped scientists better understand how rare diamonds form deep within the Earth.
From the Tavernier Blue to the French Crown
The diamond’s first recorded owner was Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a French gem merchant who purchased the original 112-carat stone in 1666, naming it the Tavernier Blue. Two years later, Tavernier sold it to King Louis XIV of France, who had it recut into a 67-carat jewel known as the French Blue (Le bleu de France).
The diamond remained part of the French Crown Jewels until 1792, when it was stolen during the French Revolution. Its disappearance marked the start of the legend that still surrounds it — a tale filled with mystery, misfortune, and fascination.
The Birth of the Hope Diamond
Decades later, in 1839, a smaller blue diamond appeared in a catalogue belonging to Henry Philip Hope, a member of a wealthy British banking family. Experts believe this stone was cut from the missing French Blue. From that point on, it became known as the Hope Diamond, carrying with it whispers of a curse said to bring tragedy to its owners.
A Trail of Glamour and Tragedy
The diamond passed through many hands, including Evalyn Walsh McLean, a famous Washington, D.C. socialite often photographed wearing the gem at lavish events. McLean’s life, marked by both wealth and personal heartbreak, only deepened the stone’s mysterious reputation.
In 1949, Harry Winston, the renowned New York jeweller, purchased the Hope Diamond. Rather than keeping it locked away, Winston toured it worldwide as part of his “Court of Jewels” exhibition — before ultimately donating it to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in 1958.
A Treasure for the World
Since its arrival, the Hope Diamond has become one of the Smithsonian’s most beloved attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year. It stands not only as a masterpiece of natural beauty and craftsmanship but also as a symbol of centuries-old history connecting India, France, Britain, and America.
From royal courts to museum halls, the Hope Diamond continues to shine — a living link between science, art, and legend.
Estimated value (2023): $350 million
Current location: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.