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This stone was
offered at a Christie’s auction in 1865, its first authenticated
appearance. It was probably mined in Golconda, India in the early
1600’s. Rumor says it was in the eye of an idol and stolen (how unusual
is this story?), finding its way to Europe in the 1700’s. Harry
Levinson, a Chicago jeweler, was the last confirmed public owner. It is
now privately owned, probably in the Middle or Far East.
GIA has graded this as
a blue diamond. Although many think the Hope is the world’s largest
blue diamond, this is clearly erroneous, as the Idol’s Eye is
approximately 25 carats larger. |
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