What makes the Hope Diamond so unusual?
Its size and color make it very unusual. When you think of the history of people mining diamonds, only one diamond has ever been found that has produced a dark-blue diamond the size and quality of the Hope Diamond. That gives you some sense of just how unusual and how remarkable it is. Again, I’ve always argued that it’s as remarkable as a natural history object, as a product of the Earth, as it is a human-cut gemstone. Most of the time when people write about the Hope Diamond they start with, “Well it was found in India.” Part of the point I always try to make to people is really the story began a lot sooner. Many diamonds don’t ever get to that point because they just didn’t survive all these things that had to have happened. In part two, learn about colored diamonds, how scientists are growing synthetic versions in the lab, and global efforts to curb the sale of conflict diamonds. In the final installment of this three-part series, discover the fascinating stories behind the Smithso
