Home >> Science & Nature >> Rocks & Minerals

Hope Diamond Facts

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has housed the Hope diamond since Harry Winston Inc. donated it to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958. The diamond has left the museum four times for public exhibitions and cleaning.

History
- In 1668, Jean Baptiste Tavernier, a French merchant, sold the diamond he'd purchased, later to be known as the Hope diamond, to King Louis XIV.
Later Owners
- Later owners of the Hope diamond include King Louis XV, Daniel Eliason, Henry Philip Hope and Evalyn Walsh McLean.
Size
- The original diamond weighed a little over 112 carats before jewelers cut the stone down. The Hope diamond officially weighs 45.52 carats, excluding the setting, according to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Color
- Traces of boron in the Hope diamond contribute to the stone̵7;s deep blue color. Tavernier described it as having a violet color.
Setting
- The setting of the Hope diamond features 16 white diamonds, and the chain the pendant hangs from features 45 additional white diamonds.

Rocks & Minerals