Hoping for Famous Diamonds

When I think of famous diamonds, I can’t help but to think of the most powerful influences in the world - love and royalty. The history behind the largest diamonds typically is a love story or one of great power.

When other people think of famous diamonds, the one that comes to mind first is usually the Hope diamond. Although it is on the list of most famous diamonds, it comes in at number 10. The Hope Diamond is known by several different names, such as, the Blue of France and the Tavernier Blue.  It has been described as one of the mostfamous diamonds. Many believe this diamond is cursed. Legend has it that the infamous Hope diamond brings horrible tragedy to the owner. The most widely believed origin of the diamonds curse can be tracked to 1653. This is when French merchant, Jean Tavernier acquired the blue diamond in India. It is said the he plucked the diamond out of an eye from a Hindu statue. For his sacrilege, he was said to have been attacked and killed by dogs.

One of the most famous stories the curse is when it was purchased by the McLean’s in 1912. Shortly after obtaining ownership of the diamond, Evalyn McLean started living a life of constant sorrow. She lost her husband when he left here for another woman, her daughter committed suicide and her son was killed in a car crash. Needless to say, she ended up being committed in an insane asylum.

Many of owners of this diamond have had lead tragic lives. This famous diamond now resides in the Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.