<Tr> <Th> Estimated value </Th> <Td> $200--$250 million USD </Td> </Tr> <P> The Hope Diamond is one of the most famous jewels in the world, with ownership records dating back almost four centuries . Its much - admired rare blue color is due to trace amounts of boron atoms . Weighing 45.52 carats, its exceptional size has revealed new findings about the formation of gemstones . </P> <P> The jewel is believed to have originated in India, where the original (larger) stone was purchased in 1666 by French gem merchant Jean - Baptiste Tavernier as the Tavernier Blue . The Tavernier Blue was cut and yielded the French Blue (Le bleu de France), which Tavernier sold to King Louis XIV in 1668 . Stolen in 1791, it was recut, with the largest section acquiring its "Hope" name when it appeared in the catalogue of a gem collection owned by a London banking family called Hope in 1839 . After going through numerous owners, it was sold to Washington socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean who was often seen wearing it . It was purchased in 1949 by New York gem merchant Harry Winston, who toured it for a number of years before giving it to Washington's National Museum of Natural History in 1958, where it has since remained on permanent exhibition . </P> <P> The Hope Diamond has long been rumored to carry a curse, possibly due to agents trying to arouse interest in the stone . It was last reported to be insured for $250 million . </P>

Where did the hope diamond get its name