Exploring the Dark Legends of Cursed Diamonds
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond is not the only gem linked to tragedy, violence, and the collapse of empires. In Hindu mythology, this diamond is believed to be the Syamantaka jewel, revered by Lord Krishna, as mentioned in the ancient text, the Bhagavata Purana. Folklore suggests that it brings misfortune to its male owners. However, history is filled with other diamonds that have similarly been associated with ill fate, the decline of dynasties, and the demise of their possessors. Below, we delve into some of these notorious stones.
This renowned deep blue diamond, weighing 45.52 carats, is over 350 years old and classified as a Type IIb diamond. Mined from the Kollur mines in India’s Golconda region, it has a tumultuous history of theft, cutting, and resale. Legend has it that the diamond was originally set on the forehead of a deity of Lord Shiva, and its theft brought a curse upon its owners. The diamond first came into recorded history in the 17th century when French merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier acquired it and later sold it to King Louis XIV of France in 1669. It became part of the French Crown Jewels, worn during royal ceremonies. However, during the French Revolution in 1792, the crown jewels were stolen, leading to the execution of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The diamond vanished for two decades, only to resurface in London in a smaller, recut form.
The first documented owner after its disappearance was Henry Philip Hope, noted in a 1839 gem collection catalogue. However, the catalogue does not disclose how he acquired it or its cost. Following Hope's death, the diamond passed to his nephew, Henry Thomas Hope, and eventually to Lord Francis Hope. The diamond was sold to settle debts and was later bought by heiress Evalyn Walsh McLean in 1911. The curse narrative intensified when her son died in a car accident and her daughter succumbed to pneumonia at just nine years old. Her husband faced mental health struggles and financial ruin. Today, the diamond is housed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.