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DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER

Paris

2 Place de la Concorde

Secret History
Have you ever heard of the Blue Diamond of the French Crown? It is the largest and most beautiful blue diamond that has ever existed. Purchased by Louis XIV, this Indian stone enjoyed a courtly life for many decades, even adorning the grand insignia of the Golden Fleece worn by Louis XV. However, during the Revolution, the next chapter of 'French Blue' began. While the royal family was in prison, the diamond was stolen during the looting of the Hôtel du Garde-Meuble (the former Hôtel de la Marine) in 1792. It was not heard from again until 1812, when a very similar-looking stone, carrying the name of 'Hope', surfaced in London. This is where the story starts to look more like a police investigation. Many specialists today are convinced that this is indeed the lost French Blue, but recut to disguise it. Fact or fiction? The debate rages on. Meanwhile, the Hope Diamond whiles away the days happily in Washington D.C.’s Smithsonian Institute.
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