Did you know…?
• The Hope diamond, a blue diamond, was originally 112 carats before being cut to its present weight of 45.52 carats.
• The Hope diamond is said to be cursed. Although one of its owners, Evalyn McLean believed it to be her good luck charm, her life states otherwise; after possession of the gem, she became a morphine addict, her young son died in a car accident, her husband divorced her and died insane, and her daughter committed suicide.
• The Hope Diamond, presently valued at more than $8 million, arrived at its present home at the Smithsonian in November 1958 via the mail – albeit registered first class!
Courtesy the Gemological Institute of America.