The 45.52-carat Hope Diamond is reputed to be the most unlucky modern gem. The Hope Diamond used to belong to the Indian royal family. Some think that it adorned the forehead of an Indian god. The gem passed from one owner to the next, eventually finding its way to the French royal court. However, it did not remain with the royal court for long: it was stolen during the French Revolution.
Some time later, in the late 18th century, the diamond appeared at an auction house in London. It was bought in 1830 by Henry Philipp Hope, its namesake. Hope paid a high price for the diamond: his whole family died in poverty. In a mysterious twist, the subsequent owners shared the same fate. The last owner finally donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institute, where it remains today.
Some time later, in the late 18th century, the diamond appeared at an auction house in London. It was bought in 1830 by Henry Philipp Hope, its namesake. Hope paid a high price for the diamond: his whole family died in poverty. In a mysterious twist, the subsequent owners shared the same fate. The last owner finally donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institute, where it remains today.
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