Colored Diamonds Part 3: The Legends and Lore of Blue Diamonds
In our previous exploration of the world of colored diamonds, we delved into the mesmerizing hues of pink, purple, red, and orange gems, uncovering the fascination and allure behind each vibrant shade. Now, we embark on a new journey, towards the enchanting realms of blue diamonds. Among these precious stones, one particularly famous blue diamond stands out: the Hope Diamond. This legendary stone has long been shrouded in mystery and speculation, with tales of a curse haunting its history. Join us as we unravel the captivating story of the Hope Diamond and delve deeper into the mysterious world of blue diamonds.
Blue Diamonds
Formation: Like other colored diamonds, blue diamond’s acquire their color due to the presence of specific trace elements during their formation process deep within the Earth's crust. In the case of blue diamonds, the element boron is responsible for imparting their stunning blue coloration.
Rarity: Blue diamonds are exceptionally rare, comprising only a small fraction of all natural diamonds mined globally. Among colored diamonds, blue diamonds are particularly prized for their scarcity, with only a handful of significant blue diamond’s known to exist.
Phosphorescence: A luminescence that can occur in diamonds of various color, it is noteworthy and intriguing due to the contrast between the blue colors and the emitted light (think red/orange).
Intensity: Blue diamonds can exhibit a wide range of blue hues, from faint or light blue to intense or vivid blue, and even deep or dark blue shades. The intensity of the blue color is a significant factor in determining the value and rarity of a blue diamond.
Famous Examples: Some of the most famous blue diamonds include the Blue Moon Diamond, the Oppenheimer Blue, the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond, and the Hope Diamond. Each of these diamonds possesses a unique history and characteristics that contribute to their legendary status.
Symbolism and Lore: Blue diamonds are often associated with qualities such as tranquility, wisdom, and inner peace. They are also considered symbols of strength and stability, making them popular choices for engagement rings and heirloom jewelry pieces.
Hope Diamond
Origin: Believed to have been discovered in the 17th century in the Kollur Mine in India and believed to be over 112 carats (according to legend). The diamond's journey from India to its current state has been marked by various owners and historical accounts, contributing to its fascinating backstory.
Namesake: The Hope Diamond was named after Henry Philip Hope, a London banker and gem collector who acquired the diamond in the early 19th century. Henry Philip Hope owned the diamond until his death in 1839, and it was during his ownership that the gem became known as the "Hope Diamond."
History: A popular legend surrounding the Hope Diamond suggests that it was originally part of the eye of an idol in a Hindu temple until it was stolen by French merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier in 1666. Another theory proposes that the diamond was purchased by Jean-Baptiste Tavernier during his travels in India in the 17th century. Tavernier later sold the diamond, along with many other jewels, to King Louis XIV of France, who had it recut into a stunning 67.5-carat diamond.
Over the centuries, the diamond changed hands numerous times, passing through various European royal families before eventually making its way to America. It was during this time that the diamond earned its infamous reputation for allegedly bringing misfortune to its owners, leading to its moniker, the "Hope Diamond."
In 1958, jeweler Harry Winston donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution, where it remains on display at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Despite its tumultuous history and the legends surrounding its curse, the Hope Diamond continues to captivate audiences with its mesmerizing blue color and unparalleled beauty, making it one of the most famous and iconic gemstones in the world.
Curse: The curse associated with the Hope Diamond is a legendary tale that has captured the public's imagination for centuries. While there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of a curse, the diamond's history is indeed marked by tragic events and misfortunes that have befallen some of its owners.
One of the earliest accounts of the curse dates back to the French Revolution, where the diamond was allegedly stolen from the royal treasury and later brought misfortune to King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, who were eventually executed during the revolution. Subsequent owners of the diamond, including wealthy socialites and members of European royalty, who also reportedly experienced various tragedies, such as bankruptcy, scandal, and even untimely deaths.
Many of these stories are based on hearsay and folklore. Moreover, some owners of the diamond lived long, prosperous lives without experiencing any notable misfortunes. We still wonder could the alleged curse stem from the legend of Jean Baptiste Tavernier stealing the diamond from a Hindu temple?
In reality, the concept of a curse associated with the Hope Diamond has added intrigue and mystery to the gem's already fascinating history. Regardless of whether the curse is genuine or merely a myth, the legend surrounding the Hope Diamond continues to captivate people worldwide, contributing to its enduring legacy as one of the most famous and enigmatic gemstones in the world.
Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond
The Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond is a legendary blue diamond with a rich history and exceptional beauty. Here's some information about this extraordinary gem:
Origin: Believed to have been discovered in the mid-17th century in the Kollur Mine in India, the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond was originally known as the Wittelsbach Blue or Der Blaue Wittelsbach diamond and weighed approximately 35.56 carats.
Namesake: The diamond has passed through various noble European families over the centuries, including the Wittelsbach family of Bavaria. Granting the diamond its name it became part of the Bavarian Crown Jewels. The diamond's exact origins and early history are shrouded in mystery. None the less it remains a significant blue diamond.
History: The earliest documented mention of the Wittelsbach Blue diamond dates back to 1673 in Vienna, where it was recorded as part of Empress Margarita Teresa of Austria's estate. Following its time in the Hapsburg court, the diamond became part of the Bavarian Wittelsbach family's possessions in 1722, passed down as part of a dowry. It continued to be a part of the Bavarian crown jewels until World War 1. In 1931, the diamond was put up for auction but did not sell, leading to its disappearance from public view for many years. It anonymously reappeared at an exhibition in 1958. In 1962, Joseph Komkommer was hired to recut this mysterious unnamed stone, and upon inspection, he discovered it was the Wittelsbach Blue diamond.
Auction: In 2008, Laurence Graff purchases the Wittelsbach Diamond for $24.3 million at a Christie’s auction. In 2010, Graff opted to recut the diamond to enhance its clarity and clarity grade while maintaining the original shape. Renamed the Wittelsbach-Graff diamond, it now weighs 31.06 carats.
Controversy: The decision to recut the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond sparked controversy within the gemstone community, with some critics arguing that altering the historic gem amounted to sacrilege. However, supporters of the recut emphasized that it restored the diamond to its former glory and enhanced its beauty for future generations to appreciate. Regardless, its enduring allure and captivating blue hue remain undeniable.
Current Status: Due to the rarity of large blue diamonds and the historical parallels between the Hope and the Wittelsbach Blue, speculation has persisted over whether they originated from the same rough stone or shared a common piece of rough. This speculation is reinforced by the rare long-lasting orange-red phosphorescence exhibited by both diamonds. The exhibition of these diamonds at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History from January 28 to September 1, 2010, marked the first occasion when the two great blue diamonds were displayed together, providing a unique opportunity for comparative study. All experiments were conducted in a single night, just before the Wittelsbach-Graff was prepared for exhibition and while the Hope was temporarily unmounted from its necklace. Following its display at the Smithsonian, it has been prominently featured at various museums and exhibitions, highlighting its exceptional beauty and historical significance to audiences worldwide.
Wittelsbach-Graff (Left) and Hope (right)
Wittelsbach-Graff (left) and Hope (right) shown displaying long-lasting orange-red phosphorescence after exposure to short wave UV light.
Blue Moon Diamond
The Blue Moon Diamond, also known the “Blue Moon of Josephine” is the most remarkable blue diamond mined in the last 10 years. Here is some information about this remarkable diamond:
Origin: The Blue Moon Diamond was mined at the Cullinan mine in South Africa, in January 2014. The Cullinan mine is known for producing exceptional colored diamonds, including the Cullinan Diamond that is part of the British Crown Jewels. The Blue Moon Discovery was particularly significant because of its exceptional color and clarity. The rough weighed 29.62 carats, after the cutting process it yielded a 12.03 carat modified cushion cut. Boasting a color grade of Internally Flawless (IF), it is considered extremely remarkable and rare.
Namesake: After its discovery, the Blue Moon Diamond was purchased for $25.6 million by Cora International LLC, a renowned diamond manufacturer and distributor based in New York City. The company named the diamond the "Blue Moon" as a nod to its rarity.
Auction: In November 2015, the Blue Moon Diamond was sold at a Sotheby's auction in Geneva for a record-breaking price of over $48 million, making it the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction at the time. The buyer, Hong Kong businessman Joseph Lau, renamed the diamond the "Blue Moon of Josephine" in honor of his daughter, Josephine. Lau's acquisition of the diamond further cemented its status as one of the world's most famous and valuable gemstones.
Oppenheimer Blue Diamond
The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond, a breathtaking gem of legendary proportions, stands as a testament to the unparalleled beauty and magnificence of blue diamonds. Here’s some information about this extraordinary diamond:
Origin: From the depths of the Cullinan mine in South Africa, emerged another notable and exceptional blue diamond. The Blue Moon and the Oppenheimer Blue share a place of origin and are a testament to natures artistic prowess.
Namesake: The diamond was named after its former owner, Sir Philip Oppenheimer, a prominent figure in the diamond industry and a member of the influential Oppenheimer family, which once controlled the De Beers mining company. The Oppenheimer Blue was kept privately within the family for decades, adding to its mystique and allure.
Auction: In May 2016, the Oppenheimer Blue Diamond was auctioned at Christie's Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale. The diamond garnered significant attention and anticipation leading up to the auction due to its exceptional rarity and provenance. It ultimately sold for a record-breaking price of over $50 million, setting a new world record for the highest price ever paid for a diamond at auction at that time. A year later that record was broken by the Pink Star Diamond. The sale of the Oppenheimer Blue Diamond further solidified its status as one of the world's most iconic and valuable gemstones.
As we conclude our exploration of the captivating legends and lores surrounding blue diamonds, we are left pondering the mysteries and enchantments that have shrouded these extraordinary gems throughout history. Join us next as we embark on a journey into the fascinating realm of green diamonds, where verdant hues and untold stories await discovery.
*OUR PASSION LIES IN THE GEMOLOGICAL SIDE OF ALL THINGS JEWELRY. WE LOVE DISCUSSING TOPICS LIKE THIS, EMAIL US AT INFO@AROJEWELERS.COM FOR TOPICS YOU WANT TO SEE US COVER, OR TO FURTHER DISCUSS TOPICS WE HAVE COVERED. 