Ebook: Hope diamond: the legendary history of a cursed gem

Prologue. Gift to the nation ; Legend delivered -- The East. Tavernier's quest ; Golconda's wealth ; Cosmic gem -- The West. The French blue ; Insignia of the golden fleece ; Stolen crown jewel ; Revolutionary bribe ; Caroline's legacy ; Contraband ; George's trophy ; Hope's collectible ; Brunswick's obsession ; From heirloom to valuable ; Ornament of the East ; Love commodity ; Unlucky inventory ; Cartier's story ; McLean's temptation ; Modernity's curse ; Yohe's prop ; High society talisman ; Winston's baby ; Tax deduction -- America's diamond. Museum specimen 217868 ; National treasure ; Collection keystone ; Missing pieces? ; Pop icon -- Epilogue. Exorcising the curse.;"Since its discovery in seventeenth–century India, the Hope diamond, a glimmering deep blue gem weighing over 45 carats, has been shrouded in mystery and steeped in intrigue. In this groundbreaking work, Dr. Richard Kurin goes beyond the speculation to reveal the truth behind a legendary stone."--Publisher's description.