Harry Winston and the Hope Diamond
17.02.16
Founded in New York in 1932, the House of Harry Winston continues to set the standard for the ultimate in high-end jewellery. It’s founder - Mr. Harry Winston, a gemmologist, businessman and devoted philanthropist – throughout his life has been known as the “King of Diamonds” and the “Jeweller to the Stars”.
The House of Harry Winston is home for some of the world’s most famous gemstones. In 1949, Mr. Winston acquires the complete jewellery collection of Mrs. Evalyn Walsh McLean, an American mining heiress and socialite, including the 94.80-carat Star of the East and the famed Hope Diamond, a 45.52-carat rare blue diamond, once owned by Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette, and Lord Henry Hope.
Picture: Cartier, Star of the East, a fine 94.80-carat pear-shaped diamond, mounted on a chain below a hexagonal emerald of 34 carats and a pearl of 32 grains.
With its admired rare blue colour and exceptional size, the Hope Diamond is one of the most legendary jewels in history.
Picture: Hope Diamond
The jewel is believed to have originated in India, found and cut from the French Blue Diamond before being presented to Louis XIV in the 17th century.
There is a big controversy surrounding the gemstone’s history. The legend is said to begin with a theft, like the diamond was stolen from an Indian idol. Therefore, it is believed the gem was cursed and foretold bad luck and death not only for its owner but also for everyone who touched it.
Both King Louis XIV and his wife Marie Antoinette were beheaded, and whether or not you believe in the curse, the Hope diamond has intrigued people for centuries.
It acquired its name in 1839, after being discovered in the gem collection owned by a London family of bankers called Hope.
Evalyn Walsh McLean was the last private owner of the Hope Diamond, which was bought in 1911 for $180,000 (equals to 4 million dollars today) from Pierre Cartier.
Picture: Evalyn Walsh McLean wearing the Hope Diamond
Since 1958, the jewel has been on exhibition at National Museum of Natural History in Washington. The estimated value of the Hope Diamond today is 200-250 million dollars.
