The history of the HOPE DIAMOND | Is the Hope Diamond really cursed? Most famous jewel in the world?
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- čas přidán 4. 11. 2021
- The history of the HOPE DIAMOND is one of mystery, intrigue and tragedy. Sometimes called the most famous jewel in the world, a question often asked about this most beautiful blue diamond is ‘is the Hope Diamond really cursed?’ Whether it is or it isn’t is an issue which has intrigued its long list of owners and viewers for decades, even centuries. In this video from History Calling, we examine what is perhaps the most famous diamond in the world, tracking its known history, from its beginnings (in human hands at least) in seventeenth-century India with the French merchant traveller, Jean Baptiste Tavernier, who called it the Tavernier Blue, to its time with the French royal family, when it was known as the French Blue and used as part of the Order of the Golden Fleece. We’ll then discuss its disappearance in 1792 during the French Revolution and its reappearance (in cut-down form) in England in 1812 in the possession of Daniel Eliason, where it eventually became known as the Hope Diamond after coming into the ownership of Henry Philip Hope who died in 1839 (indeed, this is how the Hope Diamond got its name). Its list of owners reads like a who’s who of history and includes Louis XIV, Louis XV, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette of France, Pierre Cartier, Evalyn Walsh McLean, Harry Winston and possibly King George IV of Great Britain. If you’re wondering where is the Hope Diamond now, the answer is that since 1958 it has resided in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC. As well as its official history, this video will look at the sometimes grisly and tragic events which happened to it owners and/or their families to explain the origins of the curse of the Hope Diamond and show why it is likely more of a marketing ploy, than anything its owners really need to be concerned about. It will also use science to explain why the Hope Diamond is blue and why it glows red under shortwave, ultraviolet light.
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LEARN MORE:
Richard Kurin, Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem (2017) available at amzn.to/3p6MMEJ (UK link) OR amzn.to/3BO2zMr (US link)
Jack Ogden, ‘Out of the Blue: The Hope Diamond in London’ in Journal of Gemology, 36:4 (2018), pp 316-31.
Jeffrey E. Post & François Farges, ‘The Hope Diamond: Rare Gem, Historic Jewel’ in Rocks & Minerals, vol. 89, no. 1 (2014), pp 16-26.
John S. White, ‘Let's Get it Right: The Hope Diamond Weighs 45.52 Carats!’ in Rocks & Minerals, vol. 77, no. 3 (2002), p. 191.
The History and Curse of the Hope Diamond. Talk given by Richard Kurin at the Library of Congress in 2007. Freely available at www.loc.gov/item/webcast-4227/
THUMBNAIL: Hope Diamond, Flickr, Ruby Grace Reyes, CC BY 2.0 (detail). Marie Antoinette: Rijks Museum, public domain (detail)
NB: Links above may be affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission. It in no way affects the price you pay.
Creative Commons licenses used see creativecommons.org/licenses/
Do you think the Hope Diamond is cursed? Let me know below and check out my PATREON site for extra perks at www.patreon.com/historycalling
It's definitely not cursed, but its ability to briefly turn red would've been a great party trick if its previous owners had known about it/been able to do it.
I know! I wish I'd had some footage of it doing that that I could have shown :-)
Great story but no. :D
I don't think so either, but it's great PR for the Diamond display in the Smithsonian :-)
I think, in a more general sense, that a "curse" is said to be put on any object that is stolen, taken from its rightful owner by violence or war, and especially so if from a religious shrine of some sort. You almost expect a curse to be involved in these circumstances -- a kind of karma. It is easy to believe in such a curse, whether it actually proves true from successive owners or not. It also adds a thrill of the "forbidden" to the jewel or object.
The 'Hope' Diamond was also mentioned (and represented by a heart-shaped replica which actually is pretty similar to how the real diamond looked like pre-French Revolution) in the 1997 blockbuster "Titanic". I think the movie's scriptwriters were playing with the rumors that the "unsinkable" ship was cursed by incorporating a prized "cursed" jewel of intriguing provenance into the storyline. Terribly cheeky thing to do, to say the least.
Yes, I think the Heart of the Ocean was based on the Hope as well. The history they gave it even matches up a little with the real diamond's history I believe (it's been a while since I saw the film, so I could be wrong here).
I have wondered what happened to the removed sections, each time it was recut. The 1st recut, especially, should have had sizeable, reusable stone sections.
The screenwriters of "Titanic" were not the first to be inspired by the legendary curse of the Hope Diamond; in the late 1860s, Charles Dickens published serially in his literary journal a groundbreaking mystery novel by one of his close friends, Wilkie Collins. The title of the book is "The Moonstone," and refers to a legendary cursed diamond (only of course this diamond is a rare YELLOW color, hence its name), which was stolen by the heroine's uncle from the eye (or forehead) of an Indian idol, and has wrought havoc ever since, especially since hereditary guardians of said idol are on the trail of their sacred gem. Any of this sound familiar? Collins, however, makes a unique tale out of the material with many exciting and unexpected twists and turns, and is to be highly recommended. The book has the reputation of being the first true mystery novel in the English language, which is quite a first.
@@marijeangalloway1560 Interesting, and very intriguing. Thanks for sharing.
I thought the same .. what a rip!
I went to the Smithsonian and I wanted to see two things: the Hope Diamond and the dinosaur skeleton. So yes, it is a very popular exhibit!
I saw little cards next to most of the dinosaurs though that said 'replica'. I was so disappointed. Like you, they were one of the main things I went there for. Thankfully the Hope had no such card. It's the real deal :-)
Is it still there? I was gonna go tomorrow
@@HistoryCalling all dinosaur bones in museums are replicas. They're way too fragile and expensive to be moved constantly around the world to different exhibits
@@HistoryCalling : It’s a cubic zirconia...
@@djquinn11 no it's not.... Harry Winston is the New York jeweler who donated it. It is definitely not a cubic zirconia, its a type llb diamond. There are many replicas made of cubic zirconia.
I remember seeing the Hope Diamond at the age of 10 on a visit to DC with my parents. I was an only child. The diamond confused me because I thought that diamonds were clear, with no color. And Sapphires were blue. I'm 57 now and the Hope Diamond remains as a beautiful enigma to me. The conjecture of the provenance of it is fascinating. It is one of those things that will never be solved. I love your programs!
The Hope Diamond is not cursed. My Mom wore it during WWII in Washington DC after befriending Evelyn Walsh McLean at Walter Reed Army Hospital. Mom lived a long happy life. We took her to see the diamond in DC a few years before she died and met several other women who also wore the diamond. They were Army nurses during WWII and Mrs. McLean would throw parties for the wounded soldiers which is how Mom met her.
Wow, that's a brilliant story. I hope she got a picture of herself wearing it.
For how long did she wear it?
Fascinating
My grandmother wore it, too! What a coincidence!
Its owning the diamond that seems to cause bad happenings.. not wearing it..
At age 10, my mother and I visited Washington DC, on an educational vacation. I vividly recall seeing the Hope Diamond in its display at the Smithsonian Institute. It completely enthralled my imagination. I was aware of the 'Curse' attached to it's history, from my mother, however, this did not even enter my mind, as I gazed in wide eyed wonder at its unworldly beauty. I call it this because there is something beyond our understanding within it. It's colour, unlike anything. As an artist, it is akin to the colours I see in my mind, when an inspiration hits. Be it a glaze for a piece I plan to create in porcelain, or the hues in a stormy sunset I envision on canvas. I spend countless hours attempting to recreate the vivid hues which my mind's eye sees, however, I have never been able to replicate. This describes this jewel. There is another dimensionality, origin, to this wonder. And it is in fact from just such a place. The deepest realms within our unique planet, which, even in the 21st Century we know very little of. It shares a history with all life and landscapes, which we have all had moments of absolute awe when blessed to witness. This, to my thinking, is the Hope Diamonds greatest value, nature's art. I do not believe there are any curses attached to it. The only credible curse, is the narcissistic desire to possess that which brings attention, fame, and personal indulgence in the midst of poverty- recall the French Royalty who possessed it at the time of the aristocracy's demise. It came from the womb of our planet. Despite man's attempts to increase a beauty which was perfection, it has in reality, lost some of that original magnificence. It belongs to the world, for all to enjoy and have their imaginations peaked, their curiosity of our planet renewed, and maybe, just maybe, another 10 year old will gaze upon our planet's art and be inspired and driven to stop the destruction man continues to inflict. An ambassador for Earth's exquisite uniqueness in it's own right. The value to which there can be no limit. So, take your child, children to see one of our planet's innumerable wonders. It may be the first you expose them to, it may be the hundredth. Regardless, it's a visit they will remember, and who can say what a child's mind can conceive. And, with the belief in all possible, it will take a child's inspiration to heal the creator of the Hope Diamond, and Hope and Humanity. The planet will survive our abuse. She has regularly, in all the thousands upon thousands of years history, shaken man's interference, off of her back, when we simply become a stress upon her creation. We don't need Curses and Tales of doom and debauchery, we need Hope and that same strength which diamonds are renowned for, to heal the wounds we, and those before us have inflicted. So take Hope in the Hope Diamond. It has been around for a long, long time. And, unless we take heart, will be still here, once man has been long gone.
WOE.... What an Amazing load of crap. Thank you, for reminding me why most do not read full posts.
If you have a trip planned to Washington, DC, do go see this magnificent stone. There are many other very impressive gems in the Smithsonian's collection that you'll enjoy as well.
I saw the Hope Diamond in 2005. It is really very stunning. I was there on a July 4th weekend so it was so busy that I didn't get a chance to view it as long as I would liked to have. The Smithsonian itself is a must visit
Definitely. Such a good museum :-)
When I was in 9th grade, we visited the Smithsonian. It was kept in a huge vault with cubes in the walls with a glass front. It is stunning!
I think I like the name French Blue better than the Hope Diamond. Has more mystique to it.
Yes, I like it too (though I don't mind Hope either).
Hope Diamond is more iconic. French Blue sounds like something the snails left behind.
@@neilnicco snails?
I saw it once 1988! Beautiful piece. My name is Hope so of course I favor the name. Lol
How about Indian Blue? I think it justifies the origin.
For decades I have believed that the Hope Diamond and the Burton-Taylor Diamond were one and the same! Learning something new is wonderful and I really enjoyed this presentation. Thank you.
Now, I don't know that we can discount the curse completely for those viewing the Hope. I saw it as a teen, and was completely in awe of it. There did seem to be something almost magical about it. I then the company I was working for went bankrupt and I lost my job about 22 years after viewing the diamond... I state tongue firmly in cheek.
I'm sorry to hear you lost your job, but I'm glad you're not (seriously) blaming the diamond. I hope things are going better for you now.
@@HistoryCalling Yeah, I never made the connection with the Hope diamond. When I saw your video and you talked about those viewing it, I decided to have a little laugh. I have since gotten another job, so it really can't be the diamond.
@@historybuff7491 Glad to hear you're sorted now. 😀
Spoopy!
Yes, exactly! Clearly my divorce is the result of my seeing the Hope diamond at a traveling exhibit in my early childhood. (Read in sarcastic voice, lol.) Seriously, though, it's a beautiful stone with some fascinating history - thank you for this episode!
Was lucky for Pierre Cartier who ironically came up with this legend of the mysterious curse of the Hope diamond to boost up its value and make a good deal, when selling it to the last owner. Likewise it has worked as a good luck charm instead for the Smithsonian where it rests as a popular exhibit till today.
Exactly! Excellent PR for them both.
Yeah, that seems to be the largest vault of stolen items in this land. It’s awful how much has been stolen. It’s not finders keepers, especially when so much has been stolen from graves/tombs. Come on now, this is all just wrong on so many levels
@@Keepoutpedophiles_1 and scientific discoveries hidden away to continue the agenda of the government. Like giant skeletons found.
Why so many Facebook AcunTs were
hacked is very clear
Few people canT get enough
@@penelope-oe2vr that’s Looks My Engagement Ring
You think exactly like I do. Our family would have the exact same stories with NO hope diamond. Life is life no matter what you possess. You do a great job.
The story of the supposed curse and the story the original owner told of a diamond stolen from a statue in a temple in Inda makes me think of Wilkie Collins’s novel “The Moonstone.” It seems like Collins must have heard that story about the temple somewhere, because something rather similar starts off the novel. And the moonstone itself definitely brings bad things to those who own it.
Yes, I think the curse story has inspired a lot of other, spin-off tales. As they say, there's no such thing as originality! :-)
Yes!!!! Wilkie Collins.
I thought the exact same thing while watching this video. Glad I'm not the only one.
we
never
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When we went to Washington DC in the late 80's we visited the Smithsonian but were unable to see the Hope diamond because the door to its safe got stuck. The papers reported the diamond had cursed itself!
Haha, that's unfortunate for you, but quite a funny story about the diamond cursing itself. I hope (no pun intended) you got to see it some other time. It really is beautiful.
I actually gasped loudly when you said it was posted by normal post!!!
Nothing on this scale, but my late father's friend was a diamond dealer, he had a massive old safe in the front room of his very large Manor house, as a small child I was so intrigued and thought it was so cool!
I saw the Hope Diamond in person as a child and it still fascinates me today. While studying for my Diamond Grading certification through GIA (Gemological Institute of America) I learned a lot about the diamond. Mrs. McLain was even known to attach the Hope Diamond to her dog’s collar during parties! It’s gorgeous but I’m not sure I would want to own it though!
Same here! I’m more fascinated with the Cullinan ;)
Hello. What an amazingly beautiful stone. I think the curses aren't really curses. The people who owned or wore such a lovely item and would have been in the public eye, will have had mishaps like ordinary folk. It was just made big by their celebrity status and 'Chinese whiskers' effect! Thank you as always x
I agree, I don't think there was a curse either, but it's a great story that has added exponentially to the Diamond's fame and value.
friday already!!
I know. Time flies :-)
Wow I didn’t know it was at the Smithsonian. I am always astounded to think that diamond cutters must have superb knowledge of geometry, physics, and chemistry. There’s likely a course of study to be done before apprenticeship with a master cutter. Going to look that up right now. So interesting! Thank you for another informative and thought-provoking lecture. ❤️
Oh yes, I think it's a real skill. Apparently the guy who cut the original Cullinan stone fainted from the pressure of the job.
I’m sure the pressure is intense!!!
Diamonds develop in a way that when they're hit properly, the unwanted pieces just fall away. It's the way diamonds are mined that I have problems with.
After a busy day of errands and a family gathering, I returned home for my weekly fix of history. As always, you didn't disappoint. What an amazing web of personalities and tragedies. I don't put much stock in curses and legends, though truth be told you won't find me swimming in Loch Ness (!) and I'd probably be so awestruck when confronted with the Hope Diamond it would seem sacrilegious to handle it. I agree with the viewers who preferred the French Blue moniker. Can't wait for your next video! Thank you and be well. 🙏
Thanks Stephen. If it's a warm day in Scotland though (admittedly a rare thing), don't be afraid of Nessie. It almost never eats anyone :-)
Now, if we could conjour up a tale connecting the Hope Diamond to Nessie ..........
Excellent! I’ve seen the Hope Diamond and it’s breathtaking. I’m also interested in the Cullinan and the First and Second star of Africa one of which is set in a diadem. I think one is a part of the British Crown Jewels. I’ve seen the Cullinan it’s so beautiful. This was an excellent historical account. Thank you xx
I live about half an hour outside of DC and was shocked seeing it for the first time. I found it to be underwhelming. It’s a grey ish/bluish I figured it would be desired because it’s a beautiful blue. It’s highly guarded. The room has 2 uniformed officers outside of it and then more security inside. I feel if there is some kind of curse it’s more likely the link between power and the possibility of losing it rather than bad luck.
Thank you. Charming and informative. I would love to hear more of your lectures. Great subject and beautifully presented.
This is really good. A lot of details I never heard before. Your charming accent makes for soothing enjoyment. The graphics and visuals are invitingly depicted. I don't think there's an actual curse. If anything, maybe negative energy from Louis and Marie. Stones can retain energies. Also, all who owned it were rich, mostly famous and the ones who came to a bad end were involved in precarious endeavors. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and work with us. Lvya. Shalom
I have seen the Hope Diamond several times in the Smithsonian. It is stunning!
Truly love the calm narration style. Makes for a very relaxing yet intriguing experience
Thank you very much! :-)
The diamond has certainly inspired two of my favorite fictional stories-The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins and “The Blue Carbuncle” by Arthur Conan Doyle.
In the Doyle story, it’s observed all priceless jewels are unlucky because of the greed they inspire, but that’s not supernatural, just human nature.
Sounds like it has the curse of "consequences of one's own actions".
It's beautiful, but sometimes difficult to see how brilliant it is in its current display as the case always has fingerprints on it.
Oh, I don't remember fingerprints from my visit a few years ago! :-) I'm surprised they let people touch the glass.
I lived in Northern Virginia for several years and I spent a looooot of time at the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress. The Hope Diamond was my favorite spot and I ztood in line to see over and over. It is a strikingly beautiful piece. Inmy opinion it makes the regular diamond setting look a little cheap. But as far as cursed items go, I don't really believe in that kind of stuff. A great video with great back ground information! 👍👍👍
This is amazing! I always forget just how storied this diamond is. Another amazing video, Ms History!
I do think you should record audio books though! Your voice when reading is very calming. (Sorry if that reads weird. I really cannot tell, but I mean it kindly!)
I do wish I could place your accent though. English I’m certain, but county is alluding me. I’ve been all over with my job and have never heard one similar.
Thank you and you're not weird at all. Other people have very kindly said similar things. I'm from Northern Ireland, although I soften out little bits and pieces of my accent for CZcams to try to make life easier for an international audience, so it sounds a little stronger in 'real life'.
@@HistoryCalling phew. Not weird is a relief.
Oh! That was the twang I heard on some words! I thought where I was trying to work out, I was inventing 'signs' haha
But thank you for answering that.
I'm curious from this video. Its going to sound a little daft but do you believe in any form of curse or superstition? I tend to be quite sceptical, though sometimes there are coincidences that I cannot deny are quite interesting.
The angel of Albert is my favourite one. Are you aware of it?
Seriously, your videos and are research are just 👌 well done! 👏👏👏
Thank you so much 😀 I'm really glad you like them.
I’ve been enjoying your videos so much. Have you ever thought about doing a video on the Koh-I-Noor?
I love seeing it at the Smithsonian. It's gorgeous. The lurid history makes it that much more intriguing, even it isn't true. Fascinating.
I agree. It wasn't on display the first day I went to the Museum and I made a point of going back a few days later to see it. It was totally worth it! :-)
Excellent research of this fascinating diamond
I’ve seen it many times, it intrigues me. I’m willing to wear it to test the curse!
It certainly is a beautiful colour diamond,bad luck and misfortune happen to everyone, the curse just adds mystic to the stone, well researched and presented as always thank you historycalling. 😊😊
Mystique is what I meant to say lol 😂
I think so too. Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching :-)
I don't know about a curse, but I saw it at the Smithsonian when I was in my 20's (some - 50 years ago). I do have to say it had a strange vibe about it - not evil necessarily, but unsettling.
I saw it at the Smithsonian too. There's something very special about that rock. It draws you in. And I'm really not a diamond lover.
I don't believe in curses but luck comes to all of us and some of it can be bad - without rhyme or reason. I find the French Revolution particularly fascinating and have long wondered how people survived the reign of terror. In particular, my interest was piqued more than a decade ago about an artist, Jean-Baptiste Pillement and a printmaker, Anne Allen. Both lived through the revolution in Paris and are rumoured to have been married to each other. What is interesting is that JBP had been a court painter in more than one European court and despite his association with aristocracy, was wily enough to present himself as independent of it - somehow. Little is known about either. He became the successful publisher of pamphlets on DIY chinoiserie decorations, and she developed innovative techniques for producing coloured prints known as à la poupée. It would be very interesting to know more about them and how they managed during and after the revolution...
They do sound fascinating. Anyone who survived the French Revolution with links to the aristocracy is worthy of investigation I think :-)
Thank You For This Video 🎶 X..
Thanks for listening :-)
I had the opportunity to see the diamond in 2019 - I was just speechless.
I saw it a few years ago too. Absolutely stunning.
I saw the Hope Diamond years ago at the Smithsonian and it was beautiful, but the lighting was weak. I HOPE that they have since improved the lighting to really show the beauty of the stone.
I have seen it many times at the Smithsonian. They have it behind such a thick piece of bullet proof glass it's hard to see it's brilliance.
I know. I have my own photos of it from when I visited, but I couldn't really use them here because of the reflections in the glass. Still, if I had something that precious, I'd probably want it behind the same sort of protection too :-)
@@HistoryCalling So would I! Love your channel. I have been watching quite a while.
Thank you so much. I'm glad you like it :-)
I saw it at the same museum in the mid 70's. It wasn't as guarded back then.
@@conditionallyunconditional5691 Ah, the good old days... (although admittedly I wasn't actually born in the 1970s).
Thanks for telling us about ths diamond. It has interested me for a long time.
It is a fascinating story. I had fun researching it.
Your voice, knowledge, and articulation are above the par.
Thank you so much for the video.
I don't think you know, but your videos help me through a hard day at work. Thank you
Thank you so much. I'm happy to be of service :-) I hope tomorrow at work goes better.
A lot of the owners were as mysterious as the diamond. I’m glad you were curious about it. Curiosity will take you many places and show you many things. Thank you for being curious! 😊
You're welcome and I completely agree 😀
Some things are not meant to be owned by any one person, I believe that to be true. It's why artifacts which are stolen from ancient temples and grave sites bring misfortune and tragedy to the thieves, unfortunately. When they are either returned to the place where they were stolen, or a museum in that country of origin, usually the curse stops.
I saw the Hope Diamond at The Smithsonian back in 1986. I'm fine, thanks. 😁
Yeah, I think the curse is just a good story made up mostly by Cartier.
It's only not still being bought and sold because rich people are afraid to own it.
I've seen it several times at the Smithsonian but the glass they have it under is absolutely TERRIBLE for viewing it. I was so upset the first time I saw it, I cried ( I was 7 and so excited to see it). Thanks Smithsonian for my childhood disappointment.
Agree - difficult to really see in that case
I've seen it in person. It's gorgeous!
Everything beautiful loses it's beauty and appeal with age, except large rare gemstones. I think that sums up our fascination with them. They are timeless, retaining their beauty over millenniums. They were here long before us, and will continue to exist long after we're gone. Having lost my husband, and parents, I've been struck by the idea of how enduring objects actually are. Even ephemeral things take on value when we remember those who owned them before us. It's almost like being able to touch history. The object becomes a talisman to the past. Making us feel, just a little bit immortal.
I was recently at the Museum of Natural History and saw the Hope Diamond. It was very pretty, as were many if the other gemstones in the collection. I preferred the butterfly pavillion, myself, as I dont place a lot of value on oretty rocks. 😉
I saw it as a teenager, it was absoloutely Stunning! Our HS Band went to DC for one of our Competrentions. We were Lucky to stay a few extra days
It is gorgeous isn't it? Photos really don't do it justice.
@@HistoryCalling So True!
I didn't know that much about the diamond. That was interesting.
You failed to mention that Evelyn McLean's grandson, Ronald McLean, was KIA in Vietnam in May 1969.
I love that such an incredibly valuable and iconic treasure has ended up belonging "to the people" as the Hope Diamond has however there is a kind of sadness that, presumably, it doesn't get to go out very often to a fancy party and shine around the neck of some fortunate individual. Don't they say "a diamond only truly shines when worn against the skin"?
Yes, it doesn't get worn all that often now except for the odd photo shoot (there's a picture of Michelle Pfeiffer wearing it for instance). It is a pity, but then think of the security that would need to go with it if it left the Museum.
@@HistoryCalling true! Security would cost as much as the diamond 😊 PS, thanks for all the work you do with the channel, I really enjoy your style and love the content!
You Sound completely hopeless Matt😉♥️🤙
@@dortesandal4303 LOL, yep, probably a hopeless Romantic 😉
I viewed this diamond in the museum in Washington many years ago. Beyond beautiful
Same here. It really is stunning.
I just spent some time Googling Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor because I thought for a few moments that Burton had bought it for her in the sixties but it was the Krupp Diamond of a mere 33 carats - those 2 lived well and hard - no curse on the Krupp Diamond - nice video
Honestly, that Richard Burton - buying Elizabeth Taylor a lousy 33 carats of a diamond. No wonder she divorced him twice :-) Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.
@@HistoryCalling 😂😂🤙
It is very beautiful. Regardless of whether or not it is cursed.
Mrs. McLean used to let her dog wear the Hope Diamond necklace at parties from time to time.
I did a report project on the hope diamond in 4tg-5th grade. I was on the same page as you about any sorta curse.. still respect and humbleness towards the such a great object is always just a good idea.
The real curse might be all the taxes regarding each sale.
Good point! I hadn't thought of that :-)
Fascinating history of the Hope Diamond. Magnificent gem with a mystifying story. Spectacular stone, though I think the name, French Blue, would have been better suited as that is a beautiful colour. Whether it's curse or coincidence, this has always been a legend of interest for many people. It is curious how those who had it in their possession had great misfortune. The Heart of the Ocean in Titanic was gorgeous and reminiscent of this diamond. I also thought that Richard Burton had given this to Elizabeth Taylor. Good thing that was not the case. Whether it's a curse, coincidence, superstition, or belief, it most definitely has a magical aura of mystique.💎
Yes, I suspect the Heart of the Ocean was based on this stone. Someone else was saying here in the comments that they liked the name French Blue as well and that they thought Burton had given it to Taylor too, but that was another stone (at a mere 33 carats!).
I always thought it was the Hope diamond. I’m sure it’s still stated that way by the media. Guess that’s where we all got it in the first place. Imagine the media fabricating a story just to get sales - impossible. 🤣🤣🤣👵👵👵🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Sorry to have to tell you that the absurd " Heart of The Ocean" gemstone from the film "Titanic" was nothing more than pure fiction as was the puerile story of Jack and Rose , unnecessary and made solely for "box office"appeal..
As cursed as the pair of 10 quid earrings sitting in my jewellery box.
Haha 😀
Jeez…. Thought I just had to float on a door at sea to beat the curse. I wouldn’t even let Jack try and balance
Imagine the gems and stuff that has been lost in the ocean I wonder millions of years from now when some of it resurfaces will it look the same or would it grow or would it just deteriorate I know gold doesn’t last long in the ocean idk about gems or rubies
So beautiful in person at the Smithsonian. The white diamonds around it are all big and beautiful too. Any one of them would make a gorgeous ring.
I totally agree. I wouldn't say no to any of them 😀
Love your historic technique and style. Have you ever thought about covering Maragret Pole and or other heinous executions (Anne Bolyn, Thomas Cromwell, and others)?
Thank you. I already have a video on Anne Boleyn's execution if you'd like to check it out and my video on Digging Up Anne Boleyn also includes some information on Margaret Pole's bones.
It's funny- i felt like i shouldn't look at it directly in the pics in your video- my take is if this thing was stolen from a native- umm best to give it back- bad mojo from stealing! I love love love your channel- It is so brilliant! Thank You!
Thank you very much :-)
I wonder how cheap diamonds would be if the company's actually released them for than a few thousand a year
I saw a TV movie special about the diamond once made back in the 70's. They said that President Warren G.Harding touched it a party held by Walsh. Harding died within two weeks.
He had been suffering from untreated high blood pressure for some time, and had had many symptoms of cardiac issues going back some years, so I think it's safe to say that touching the diamond had nothing to do with his death.
I've seen it four times. The first time I even held my 3 year old son up so he could look at it. That was 32 years ago. It's very pretty.
Loved seeing it in person but I have a little fun fact of my own. My mom use to work for a factory that now makes envelopes when she there and she found out that factory actually helped build the bullet proof, bomb/explosion proof glass case that it sits behinds to this day. For those who say they had a hard time seeing it properly may had issues seeing it due to the thickness of the glass ment to protect it 😅 but when I saw it not only did I not have problems seeing it but I argue that it is more gorgeous in person and photos cannot capture just how gorgeous jewel is and I did try to capture it's photos that I still have to this day.
so beautiful 😢💙
It really is. Just stunning. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I had no idea the stone was delivered to the Smithsonian by a relative of mine. That cracks me up.
The legend of the Hope Diamond and its supposed curse was obviously the inspiration for Victorian mystery writer Willie Collins' popular novel "The Moonstone," which. Is still a very entertaining read, and boasts the first ever police detective in fiction. In the plot, the Moonstone is a fabulous diamond of great size and unique colour, only Collins makes the stone yellow instead of blue, to attempt to avoid too much identification with the Hope Diamond. In the story, the diamond is indeed stolen from a Hindu idol by a British officer and is said for this reason to be cursed. All of which sounds pretty familiar, though the story Collins creates around it is quite intriguing and original.
There seems to be an aura of mystery through the ages surrounding gem stones in general. And some think objects can be haunted Maybe the temptation to weave a tale around a stone so rare, brilliant, and large was just to great to resist. I don't believe it's cursed but I would be a little nervous owning it. I mean, what if....?
Thanks..
Great video. The curse is a just great story, and like ghost stories fun to hear, but ultimately silly. I've seen it in the Smithsonian (sort of --there was a massive crowd and it was incredibly difficult to get a good look at) and I'm fine. Lol
Haha, yes, me too. It's a fun story though, as you say.
Excellent research! 😲👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😊 That diamond has certainly known many crowned heads and nobility of great wealth. I think Evalyn Walsh McLean was the best setting for that stone 😊😉
Thank you. She's my favourite owner too. I love how much she wore it, rather than just letting it rot (so to speak) in a safe somewhere. I feel terribly sorry for all her troubles though (although I don't blame them on the diamond).
Thanks for sharing the details about the history about this beautiful diamond. I do not believe in the story of it being cursed. As you stated the bad things that happened to some who owned it was because of “the way of the world”. I too believe that all the workers at the Smithsonian who care for it would have met with tragedy if it was cursed. Thanks again for another interesting video! Stay safe.
Thanks Christine. Glad you enjoyed it :-)
Sad tragedies in one family is just what they are, tragedies. Look at The Kennedys. They never had any cursed objects & they had a lot of tragic moments.
Exactly. The Kennedys are a good example of that.
Thank you for this most interesting story of the Hope Diamond. I was fortunate to see it in 1977 at the Smithsonian Museum in DC. No I don’t think it’s cursed but it makes a good story. Best wishes & look forward to the next video!
Thanks Cindy. I saw it too and thought it was beautiful. It's my much requested take on the Princes in the Tower next week (my longest video to date too)!
@@HistoryCalling Excellent!!
@@HistoryCalling Definitely looking forward to that!
I saw the Hope Diamond when I was in the 8th grade at the Smithsonian. I was utterly mesmerized by the diamond. My family has returned many time to the Smithsonian to see the Hope Diamond. Of course, my daughter thinks she should be able to take it home!🤣 Oh my the way, no curse.
So what happened to the parts of the diamond that were cut off???
Good question! :-)
It sounds to me like the Hope Diamond could be the inspiration for the Wilkie Collins novel "The Moonstone".
I haven't heard of that one, but I think it did (partly at least) inspire the Heart of the Ocean diamond in the movie Titanic.
Who doesn’t love a good curse! A fantastic diamond deserves an equally fantastic story… don’t you think? Lol
It does. That must be why so many famous stones have these curse stories attached to them.
I did read somewhere once that the last private owner Harry Winston the New York, Diamond and Gemstone dealer donated the "Hope" diamond to the Smithsonian after a near brush with disaster himself. Apparently he was on a private flight to California in a twin engine light aircraft, pre "Jet age", when inexplicably both engines suddenly failed with no verifiable reason.. The pilot did manage to restart the engines but the "scare" was enough it seems, for Mr. Winston to decide to take no further chances with owning the "cursed" stone..! LOL
Oh that's an interesting tale. I didn't read that in my research or I might well have included it in the video. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for another interesting video. I think that such a beautiful thing has to have a few good stories surrounding it. Rather surprised the Titanic didn't crop up somewhere
I considered including it as I think it might have inspired the Heart of the Ocean, but the video was already pretty long by my standards (though nothing to how long next week's is!)
@@HistoryCalling In the movie titanic when cal gave it to rose he told her some history behind it i believe during the convo he even called it the hope diamond at one point so this necklace def is “ the heart of the ocean” I jus find it very interesting that it was not even aboard the ship as I did not kno that before
This reminded me of a book we read at school called The Pearl😊I suppose you could cherry pick bad look around any item. I did see the Amber Room video it was really interesting. Just a quick question if they found even a little bit of that how much value do you think it would have?
Oh the bits of Amber Room are priceless. I don't think they attempted to sell them, so I don't know what someone would actually pay, but it wouldn't surprise me if it was in the millions.
@@HistoryCalling I bet and with such a history attached to it there would be a huge list of potential buyers 😍
I remember that book as well, Lorraine. If memory serves, it was written by John Steinbeck.
@@stephencarrillo5905 yes 👍🏼I think all schools read it😁
The Gem and Minerals Hall at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum is well worth seeing. If you are ever in the DCA, please have a meet up there. We'd love to show you all around the Museum. Our Smithsonian Museums are free to the public. I was very surprised when I first went to museums in other cities and countries and found that one had to buy tickets to get in.
But somebody has to own it still.... even if it's a state, establishment, etc. Wonder how they're doing. I'm sure under all that paperwork, legality, and changing hands, The Diamond knows
The art deco diamond bracelets worn by Evalyn Walsh McLean at 21:00...Gorgeous!
I know. She had some absolutely beautiful jewellery of which the Hope Diamond was just one item.
I don't believe the Hope diamond is cursed. As for the incidents that occured to many who possessed it...well you need to look at the lives of those who previously owned it. Just makes for a good story.
I don’t believe the diamond is curse.d. If one were to pick at random a list of 100 varied people who lived and died n the 1800’s, it’s reasonable to believe that the percentage of persons who had hardships, tragedy or bad luck would not vary significantly with those who owned or wore the Hope Diamond. Your video was so amazing and interesting!
It probably has taken in and holds so much negative energy over the years that it affects people who come in contact with it for long periods of time, have it in their homes for long periods of time. It’s already know that crystals and other gyms can actually absorb energy. So maybe this is what the deal is.
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