October 29, 2010
There’s Still Hope
Mark your calendar for a very special documentary, titled Mystery of the Hope Diamond. To air November 21 on the Smithsonian Channel, actress Kim Bassinger will narrate this intriguing story.
The Hope Diamond, a 45.52-carat dark blue color, is one of the most famous colored diamonds and is considered one of the most valuable jewels in the world. It was found in India in the 17th century and owned by King Louis XIV as part of the French crown jewels until the Revolution. It then mysteriously disappeared.
The diamond eventually resurfaced and passed through many hands, until Cartier offered it to Evalyn Walsh McLean in 1910. At first, McLean wasn’t very interested in the diamond; however, after Cartier reset it and told her about the stone’s legendary curse, she couldn’t refuse it. Harry Winston acquired the diamond after McLean’s death, and donated it to the Smithsonian 50 years ago.
Perhaps because of its notorious “curse”, it remains a star feature at the Smithsonian.
