The story of the Heart of Ocean diamond and the sapphire necklace is a captivating blend of history, mythology, and intrigue. The Hope diamond, with its rich ownership history and mysterious allure, has captivated the world. Its distinctive blue hue and the unfortunate myths surrounding its ownership have only added to its enigmatic charm.
The Hope diamond begins its origin in 1653 and it was part of a 112.5 raw carat diamond. After changing ownerships twenty times including the King Louis XIV of France, the Sultan of Ottoman Empire, the Cartier family, and the wife of a publishing magnate: Edward McLean for his wife Evalyn Walsh.
The blue color is due to trace amounts of boron. This chemical element causes the stone to absorb red, orange, and yellow light, with the diamond emitting a light blue color.
The name “Hope” was named after a prominent Dutch banking family. Thomas Hope was the main investor of the Dutch East India Company, It was first established on March 20, 1602 and one of the first joint-stock company in the world. and years later, the Hope family became the steward of the company. Thomas Hope and his brothers were one of the richest family in Europe at the time.
Because of the myth surrounding the bad luck for the owners of the gem, a clause in the sales agreement states: “Should any fatality occur to the family of Edward B. McLean within six months, the said Hope diamond is agreed to be exchanged for a jewelry of equal value.”
The raw diamond began as a 112.5 carat diamond and was cut to a 69-carat triangular shape diamond when King Louis XIV became the owner. During the French revolution, it was stolen from Versailles and it went missing for 37 years. It resurfaced again in 1812, in the hands of a London jeweler, in a smaller size and current final shape of antique cushion cut and current weight of 45.52 carats.
It was later sold to Harry Winston in 1949. Winston donated it to the Smithsonian Museum in 1958, where it remains today
On the other hand, the sapphire necklace, steeped in the tragic tale of two ill-fated lovers, Kate Phillips and Henry Morley, evokes a deep sense of pathos. Henry Morley gifted Kate Phillips a sapphire necklace during the Titanic voyage. It serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost in the Titanic disaster, and the necklace's survival has come to symbolize the resilience of hope in the face of adversity.
Both of these precious gems have inspired many, including the creators of the iconic film Titanic. Despite the contrasting narratives behind these treasures, they share a common thread - their ability to captivate and connect with people, transcending time and space. To this day, the Hope diamond remains one of the most treasured pieces in the Smithsonian Museum's collection. Its storied past and the undeniable allure of its beauty continue to enthrall and intrigue those who lay eyes upon it.
Similarly, the sapphire necklace, an artifact from a bygone era, stands as a testament to a love that was cut short by fate. The legends and tales that surround these precious gems remind us of the importance of storytelling, of passing down narratives from generation to generation. These accounts carry immense cultural significance and help shape our collective understanding of the world around us. More importantly, the stories of the Heart of Ocean diamond and the sapphire necklace grant us a glimpse into the human experience, a reminder of the dreams, loves, and losses that have shaped the course of history.
These gems' enduring appeal rests not only in their inherent beauty and rarity but also in the evocative tales that have become inextricably intertwined with their very existence. They serve as a reflection of our collective human experience – a tantalizing mixture of hope, sorrow, ambition, and passion. The Hope diamond and the sapphire necklace are more than mere adornments or symbols of wealth; they represent the very essence of the human story. Throughout history, we have sought solace, inspiration, and identity in the stories, myths, and legends associated with such captivating treasures. As we delve deeper into understanding the historical significance of these priceless gems, we find ourselves inexorably drawn into their allure – and, in turn, are reminded of our own place in the ongoing narrative of humanity.