Hope Unveiled

Next spring, the Hope Diamond will be put on public display in its naked glory, in a new setting called Embracing Hope.

When the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC defers to ‘the world’s most famous gemstone’, bonk us Indians on the heads for mistakenly-assuming they mean the Koh-i-Noor. We forget that America’s gem publicity machine centres around the 45-carat Hope Diamond, which was mined in our own Golconda and worn by royals in France and England. It’s been the Smithsonian’s star attraction ever since it was donated by Harry Winston Inc 50 years ago. On 24 September, for the first time ever, this blue teardrop, carefully prised out of its setting, was put on view. This is the first public glimpse of the naked Hope, which was on display till now as a triangular pendant surrounded by 16 white pear and cushion cut diamonds, suspended on a diamond necklace. Next spring, you get to see this violet jewel in a new setting, called Embracing Hope. For a view of what treasures lay within Golconda, take a route via Washington DC. But don’t plan on a heist, the Hope has been beset by a curse that dates back to the 1600s.

GolcondaHope DiamondWashington D.C.