What do you think of the Hope Diamond?

[MamaBee]

We went to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History on Saturday with my son, daughter-in-law and grandson...We were walking around showing the animals to Jackson...when all of sudden I see a sign to the Hope Diamond! I had forgotten it was there! They explained to Jackson that his Nonna wanted to see a big diamond.. I don’t know what I was expecting but it was a little disappointing. It was blue but it looked black...I liked the string of diamonds that would go around your neck when wearing it because they were white diamonds...The way it was showcased there in the glsss case made it very hard to try to take a pic of the top of it. I took really crummy photos...There was also a very large antique asscher that I snapped a photo of..but my grandson had enough of Nonna ooohing and ahhhhing at all the jewels. I told my husband we have to go back.

 

[m51galaxy]

I saw the Hope Diamond back in the 1960s as a kid. It was very hard to see through the protective glass, but I was thrilled just to see it because of the history. From your photos it looks like the display is now better than it was back then.

 

[Luce]

I was not impressed with the Hope Diamond when we saw it a couple of years ago. I was expecting a bluer color as well. Here are photos I took.

 

[stracci2000]

I saw it several years ago, also.
Dark steely blue, very beautiful, and rare.
I think it's rarity and provenance accounts for most of it's fame.
But I think some of the diamonds on the hands of many PSers are possibly more beautiful!

 

[the_mother_thing]

Sorry, but I simply cannot overlook this:

We went to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History ...when all of sudden I see a sign to the Hope Diamond! I had forgotten it was there!

Please remit your bling addict card to the nearest PSer, and go meditate on the error of your ways.

 

[MamaBee]

Sorry, but I simply cannot overlook this:


Please remit your bling addict card to the nearest PSer, and go meditate on the error of your ways.

I had two hours sleep and I’m old..Does that give me a one time pass?

 

[the_mother_thing]

I had two hours sleep and I’m old..Does that give me a one time pass?

Will let ya slide, I suppose.

 

[MamaBee]

Will let ya slide, I suppose.

Thanks..I’m eternally grateful for my pardon..

 

[Madam Bijoux]

The lighting in that gem room is abominable. The Hope looked grayish green to me in that lighting.

 

[MissGotRocks]

I agree - I came away with the same 'disappointment'. It just looks like a museum piece but the color was not to my liking and the size was only fit for a showcase IMO.

 

[m-2-b]

Saw it last year--agree with everyone else's thoughts! There were much prettier jewels to be seen instead!
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/jewels-of-the-smithsonian.239972/

 

[MamaBee]

The lighting in that gem room is abominable. The Hope looked grayish green to me in that lighting.

I agree...It was so dark in the room....It actually looked black!

 

[JPie]

I’d give it a good home.

 

[GliderPoss]

It it the real one or a replica for display purposes?

 

[OoohShiny]

There was also a very large antique asscher that I snapped a photo of..

That asscher is lovely - reminds me of something @diagem would cut

 

[MamaBee]

That asscher is lovely - reminds me of something @diagem would cut

It it the real one or a replica for display purposes?

It’s real..

 

[AV_]

.

Dark Hope

 

[MamaBee]

I’d give it a good home.

It’s kind of a cluster...

 

[Matthews1127]

The color looks a bit “off”, but I believe it’s more the display than the actual stone. My SIL’s blue diamonds are a beautiful hue of blue; not commonly found, nor easily matched. The Hope Diamond most certainly appears to have green undertones. It just adds to its mystique.
I’d find a way to rock that piece, as often as possible!!!!
The Asscher is something I’d add to my collection, as well!! That’s absolutely stunning!!!

 

[missy]

Beautiful photos @Mamabean, thank you for sharing!

I saw it at the Smithsonian a long time ago. I am with @AV_

.

Dark Hope

Beautiful to look at but no I will not be giving it a home. Even if I could afford to financially. I cannot afford it in other ways...

 

[Starfacet]

That Asscher tho!!!

 

[Luce]

Ooooh, I took a picture of the ascher too, it stunning 127cts worth!

 

[Luce]

Loved this marquise on display as well!!!!

 

[AV_]

I cannot afford it in other ways...

These dark things certainly are an acquired taste to me - it took the longest time to get what the fuss is with the classical midnight sapphire blue, and the fun still reminds staring into a well into the netherworld rather than midnight. (nevermind the dark reds - I a not going there)

ramble

 

[MamaBee]

These dark things certainly are an acquired taste to me - it took the longest time to get what the fuss is with the classical midnight sapphire blue, and the fun still reminds staring into a well into the netherworld rather than midnight. (nevermind the dark reds - I a not going there)

ramble

I’m the same @AV_ I’m not a fan of midnight sapphire blue either. I’m drawn to the less expensive lighter gems..which is in my favor..I’m not so lucky with diamonds..I love the whitest and most expensive ones..

 

[lambskin]

I did not fall in love with it when I saw it years ago. But I did love its setting and necklace.

 

[MamaBee]

Ooooh, I took a picture of the ascher too, it stunning 127cts worth!

I’m happy you did because I wanted to see more of it..and didn’t have time..

 

[MamaBee]

I did not fall in love with it when I saw it years ago. But I did love its setting and necklace.

Exactly..

 

[ForteKitty]

I was incredibly disappointed both times I saw it. The lighting was yellow so the diamond appeared very grey/green, and it was rather dull looking. There were much prettier pieces further inside, like the giant peachy brown pear.

 

[joelly]

That Asscher tho!!!

My thoughts exactly.... never mind the Hope Diamond, look at that giant asscher