THE HOPE DIAMOND – PRICE : $200-250 MILLION

One of the most widely recognized jewels in the world, the Hope Diamond is a 45.42-carat fancy dark grayish-blue, antique cushion cut diamond worth approximately $200-250 million. Since its initial discovery in Golconda, India in 1666, the diamond has changed hands numerous times. The diamond was originally purchased by King Louis XIV in 1668 and dubbed the “French Blue”. 

The diamond remained in the possession of the French royal family until 1792, when it was stolen during the French Revolution amidst a looting of the crown jewels.  The jewel reappeared in 1839 in the gem collection catalog of Henry Philip Hope. After passing through several more owners, including Pierre Cartier and socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean, the gem was purchased by jeweler Harry Winston in 1949. Winston ultimately donated the jewel to the Smithsonian Institution, where it remains on display today.