The Hope Diamond is a 45.52 carats (9.104 g; 0.3211 oz) blue-violet diamond that has been famed for its great size since the 17th century. It is said that the diamond has been extracted in the 17th century from the Kollur Mine in Guntur , India , [ 1 ] [ 2 ] .

The history of the stone which was eventually named the Hope Diamond began when the French merchant traveler, Jean Baptiste Tavernier, purchased a 112 3/16-carat diamond. This diamond, which was most likely from the Kollur mine in Golconda, India, was somewhat triangular in shape and crudely cut.

Before coming to the Smithsonian, the Hope Diamond traveled from a mine in India to the court of the Louis XIV, from the merchant houses of Europe to the homes of the American elite. Learn about its journey using the slider below or take a deep dive …

The 45.52 carat, deep-blue Hope Diamond is shown here inside its surrounding pendant of 16 pear- and cushion-cut white diamonds. (Photo by Chip Clark) Weight: 45.52 carats. Dimensions: Length 25.60 mm, Width 21.78 mm, Depth 12.00 mm. Cut: Cushion antique brilliant with a faceted girdle and extra facets on the pavilion. Clarity: VS1.

The diamond would take his name, becoming known as “Hope’s Diamond” or the “Hope Diamond.” The catalogue describes the diamond as “a most magnificent and rare brilliant, of a deep sapphire blue, of the greatest purity, and most beautifully cut” (Hertz 1839).

Jan 13, 2025 · The Hope Diamond is not named because it inspires hope. Instead, the famous gemstone was named after a British gem collector. And the diamond itself has a tumultuous history full of death, tragedy, and loss.

Hope diamond, sapphire-blue gemstone from India, one of the largest blue diamonds known. It is thought to have been cut from a 112-carat stone brought to France by the jewel trader Jean-Baptiste Tavernier and purchased by Louis XIV in 1668 as part of the French crown jewels.

Sep 26, 2023 · After McLean died, the Hope, along with its 46-diamond necklace chain, was bought from the McLean estate by famed jeweler Harry Winston.

The Hope diamond, a flawless 45-plus gem of rare steel-blue color, was donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958 by New York City jeweler Harry Winston, and is the centerpiece of the Hall of Gems at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.

6 days ago · Learn about the cursed origin and scandelous history of the Hope Diamond and see exclusive images of the famous blue diamond.