Post is curator of the gem and mineral collection at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum.
Why is the Hope Diamond being reset?
This is part of our ongoing celebration of 50 years since the Hope Diamond arrived to the Smithsonian. The diamond was one of the most major gifts, and has been one of the biggest draws to the Museum of Natural History. Our theme to reset it was to show the Hope Diamond in ways that people haven’t seen it. Currently it is out of the setting so the public can see what the diamond looks like by itself. Since Harry Winston donated the diamond in 1958, we wanted to see how he would set it. I think resetting the diamond is a fun way to help celebrate.
How does the setting represent 50 years?
We wanted to focus on thinking about the diamond in a different way. The original setting, from when it arrived to the Smithsonian, is from 1911, so no one has really seen the diamond any other way. We wanted to get past the icon of the necklace and just see the diamond itself.
What was the Smithsonian looking to get out of the public’s say in the setting choice?
First of all, the Hope Diamond was a gift to the people of the United States. We wanted the opportunity to get as many people involved as possible, because the public should have a say in the new design. We were also curious to see what the public would like.
What makes the Hope Diamond so iconic?
The fact this it is the largest [45.52-carat] deep blue diamond in the world, as far as we know. All the different stories associated with the diamond add to its appeal — the crown jewels of France, and the rumor of the curse.
— Kristen Byrne
