Hope Diamond Donated by Harry Winston

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Summary

The Hope Diamond is formally donated to the Smithsonian by Harry Winston, a New York gem merchant. The stone was acquired by Winston in 1949 from the estate of Mrs. Evalyn Walsh McLean, who received it from her husband, Edward B. McLean, in 1911. The diamond's known history dates to 1830 when David Eliason, a noted gem dealer, sold the stone to Henry Thomas Hope. The legendary diamond is received by the National Museum in July of 1958 and is placed on display in the new Hall of Gems and Minerals in the Natural History Building.

Subject

  • Winston, Harry 1896-1978
  • National Museum of Natural History (U.S.) Dept. of Mineral Sciences
  • United States National Museum
  • Hall of Gems and Minerals (Exhibition) (1958: United States National Museum)

Category

Chronology of Smithsonian History

Notes

  • Annual Report of the Smithsonian Institution for the year 1959, p. 13
  • Torch, 7/1958, p. 6

Contact information

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu

Date

November 10, 1958

Topic

  • Benefactors
  • Gems
  • Exhibitions
  • Gifts
  • Hope diamond
  • National Collections
  • Major Events in Smithsonian History

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