The Hope Diamond Cursed... OR NOT?
Rock&Gem Magazine|October 2023
Diamonds are known traditionally as symbols of wealth, beauty and love, with one notable exception-a large, unusually colored stone that is widely believed to be cursed. Many of those who have owned or simply touched this stone have met tragedy by going insane, suffering serious illnesses, committing suicide, or losing their fortunes-even being executed by guillotine.
STEVE VOYNICK
The Hope Diamond Cursed... OR NOT?

This stone, paradoxically celebrated for its beauty yet feared for its curse, is the Hope Diamond. The size of a walnut and deep blue in color, it is the world's best-known diamond. Over its 370-year-long, often murky history, it has become immersed in legend, stolen at least twice and cut four times. Its owners have included sultans, kings, bankers, jewelers, thieves, a popular stage performer and a fabulously wealthy heiress.

Since 1958, the Hope Diamond has been a major attraction at the National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian Institution) in Washington D.C., where it has been viewed by more than 100 million visitors and is currently valued at over $250 million.

PLUCKED FROM THE EYE OF AN IDOL

The Hope Diamond's strange story began in 1653 when French gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier visited India's Golconda Sultanate. There he purchased a crudely cut, triangular, flat, blue diamond of extraordinary size-115 carats. According to legend, this diamond, now known as the "Tavernier Diamond," had been cursed since it previously had been plucked from the eye of a statue of a Hindu idol.

After returning to Europe in 1668, Tavernier sold the diamond to King Louis XIV of France, who ordered the stone recut. Tavernier wrote extensively about the gem before his death in Moscow the following year-when he was reportedly dismembered by a pack of wild dogs.

THE "FRENCH BLUE" AND THE GUILLOTINE

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ROCK&GEM MAGAZINEView all
This News is for the Birds
Rock&Gem Magazine

This News is for the Birds

The amazing range of the would-be birds!

time-read
1 min  |
July 2024
CALIFORNIA MAGNESITE PLASMA AGATE
Rock&Gem Magazine

CALIFORNIA MAGNESITE PLASMA AGATE

California magnesite plasma agate is a kaleidoscope of minerals. Much like its neighbor from Clear Creek, it contains chalcedony, serpentine, jadeite and chromite.

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
HOW TO CREATE A CABBING MATERIAL
Rock&Gem Magazine

HOW TO CREATE A CABBING MATERIAL

Even though Mother Nature creates almost unbounded types and numbers of beautiful materials for cabbing, often I struggle to find a slab that will work for the project that I want to do.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2024
PINWHEEL - VIET GEMS 149
Rock&Gem Magazine

PINWHEEL - VIET GEMS 149

I am frequently asked what my favorite gemstone designs are and where to find them. After my trip to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, I updated my list of favorites to include gemstone designer, Phan Thanh Trung.

time-read
1 min  |
July 2024
Copper Minerals: My Favorite
Rock&Gem Magazine

Copper Minerals: My Favorite

I have lived in the “Copper State” of Arizona for 65 years so it should not surprise readers that copper minerals are among my favorites to collect.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2024
OPPENHEIMER, TRINITY SITE AND TRINITITE
Rock&Gem Magazine

OPPENHEIMER, TRINITY SITE AND TRINITITE

The widely acclaimed, 2023 Hollywood biographical movie Oppenheimer recently won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor (Cillian Murphy).

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
Clearing ,Smudging & Setting Intentions for Stones
Rock&Gem Magazine

Clearing ,Smudging & Setting Intentions for Stones

Why do you believe what you believe? Are your beliefs true because you choose to believe them? Whether it is religion, science or the metaphysical, your belief and faith make it real to you in mind, body and soul.

time-read
7 mins  |
July 2024
Rhode Island's Hobbit Stone Age
Rock&Gem Magazine

Rhode Island's Hobbit Stone Age

Rhode Island may be 22nd out of 30 states in miles of total coastline but when you compare coastline length to land acres, it ranks second only to Maryland.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2024
Black Range Amethyst
Rock&Gem Magazine

Black Range Amethyst

Amethyst in Southwest New Mexico

time-read
7 mins  |
July 2024
EQUINE Bling!
Rock&Gem Magazine

EQUINE Bling!

How an Oklahoma Saddle Maker Uses Moissanite, Gold, Silver Turquoise tc to Adorn Saddles Jewelry

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2024