The Hope Diamond's Curse May Be More Myth Than Reality

What comes to mind when you think of the Hope diamond? A massive 45-carat gem shrouded in tales of a curse, radiating a haunting red light with sinister music playing in the background? Its unsettling history of misfortune — which we'll explore shortly — might make you question why anyone would desire such a gem, despite its undeniable grandeur.

In a two-part episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Frey and Tracy V. Wilson reveal that the Hope diamond's size might not live up to the hype. As Tracy notes, taking a child to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to see the world's largest diamond could lead to disappointment. "They'll imagine a diamond the size of their head, but the Hope Diamond is more like the size of a walnut," she clarifies.

Measuring 25.6 millimeters (1 inch) in length and 21.78 millimeters (0.86 inch) in width, the Hope diamond isn't the largest gem globally. (That title goes to the Cullinan I, a 530-carat diamond cut from an even larger stone.) However, its unique blue hue and the eerie legends surrounding its past owners have cemented its status as the most renowned diamond in the world.

However, the diamond's fame isn't entirely justified by the myths that surround it. One story suggests an explorer stole it from a Hindu temple, only to be cursed and torn apart by wolves. Another tale claims Marie Antoinette wore it at Versailles before her tragic execution. Yet, neither of these chilling stories can be confirmed as true.

How did these myths about the diamond come to be? May Yohe, the wife of Lord Francis Hope, and renowned jeweler Pierre Cartier, both owned the diamond at different times and spread dramatic tales of misfortune tied to its possession. However, there's a catch.

"Both individuals, who appear to be the primary sources of these rumors, had a clear motive to spin an intriguing narrative," Tracy explains. They were both attempting to sell the diamond and profit from it. Crafting a story about its mysterious and tragic history? A clever marketing tactic, but one lacking factual support.

That said, not all the stories are entirely made up. Tracy and Holly have uncovered some genuine accounts of misfortune among the diamond's owners, and many still firmly believe in the curse. The Smithsonian Institution can confirm this. "The museum still receives letters blaming the Hope diamond for nearly every major issue the United States has faced," Holly notes.

So, adorn yourself with your finest jewelry and listen as Tracy and Holly delve into the origins, myths, and even the scientific explanation behind the diamond's famous red glow (yes, it's real!) in this two-part episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class.