Described as both a ‘Beautiful Violet’ & ‘French Blue’ in the 1600s, this object went on tour in the 1900s before landing in the Smithsonian

Friday’s Final Jeopardy clue took contestants deep into the world of rare jewels and legendary artifacts. Featured in the category Historic Objects, the clue read: Described as both a “Beautiful Violet” & “French Blue” in the 1600s, this object went on tour in the 1900s before landing in the Smithsonian.

What is the Hope Diamond?

This well-known gemstone is more than just a stunning example of natural beauty. Its rich history spans centuries, continents, and owners—from French royalty to American heiresses. Now housed in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, the Hope Diamond remains one of the most visited and researched objects in the institution’s collection.

The Hope Diamond’s story begins in the 17th century, when it was believed to have been mined in the Kollur mine in Golconda, India. French gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier brought the stone to Europe, where it was eventually acquired by King Louis XIV around 1668. At the time, it was known as the “French Blue” due to its striking deep blue color, which also reflected the fashion and regal tastes of the French court.

The stone was later recut and set into a royal pendant for Louis XIV. It remained in royal possession until the French Revolution, when it was stolen during a looting of the French crown jewels in 1792. For years, its whereabouts remained unknown, and by the time it resurfaced in London in the early 19th century, the diamond had been recut again—likely to disguise its origins.

From Private Hands to Public Display

After being rediscovered, the diamond changed hands several times, eventually being purchased by London banker Henry Philip Hope, for whom it was later named. The Hope family retained ownership through much of the 19th century. During this time, the gem gained its infamous reputation for bringing misfortune to its owners, though many of these stories have been exaggerated or invented.

In the early 20th century, the Hope Diamond was owned by a series of wealthy collectors, including American socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean. Known for her lavish lifestyle, McLean often wore the diamond at social events and parties. After her death, the gem was sold to cover debts and ultimately acquired by New York jeweler Harry Winston.

Arrival at the Smithsonian and Scientific Study

Harry Winston played a key role in bringing the Hope Diamond to the public. In 1958, he donated the diamond to the Smithsonian Institution, mailing it in a plain brown package via registered mail. Since then, the gem has been a centerpiece of the museum’s collection, drawing millions of visitors each year.

Its presence at the Smithsonian has also allowed researchers to conduct extensive scientific studies. Using modern equipment, experts have analyzed the diamond’s unique phosphorescence—an orange-red glow emitted after exposure to ultraviolet light—and studied the atomic structure that causes its rare blue color, which comes from trace amounts of boron.

A Symbol of Beauty and Cultural Fascination

The Hope Diamond is not just a gem; it has become a symbol of beauty, mystery, and the allure of the unknown. Its long journey from the mines of India to the Smithsonian reflects broader patterns in history, including colonial trade, European monarchies, and modern museum curation. The many legends surrounding it—both factual and fictional—continue to captivate the public imagination.

Its inclusion in Friday’s Final Jeopardy was a fitting choice for a category devoted to Historic Objects. As one of the most recognizable and studied jewels in the world, the Hope Diamond represents the convergence of natural science, cultural history, and international intrigue.