20-YEAR BAN ON HOPE DIAMOND

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22319, 2 May 1947, Page 5

20-YEAR BAN ON HOPE DIAMOND

(10 a.m.) . NEW YORK, May 1. The famous Hope diamond, which is reputed to be illomened, will be worn no more for at least 20 years. This was stipulated in the will of its last owner, Mrs Evalyn McLean, who died from pneumonia after a short illness, which was filed for probate to-day.

After 20 years the stone, which is reported to be valued at 2,000,000 dollars, will probably be sold or cut up and divided among Mrs McLean’s seven grandchildren to whom she bequeathed it and all other gems in her multi-million dollar collection, Including the famed Star of The East diamond and a pigeon blood ruby which is stated to be the largest of its kind in the United States. Mrs McLean always maintained there was no dark symbolism attached to the Hope diamond. The Hope diamond, which weighs 44J carats was a gift from Mrs McLean’s husband. A brilliant bluish stone, it

ie believed to be part of a larger diamond from the French Crown jewels. The larger gem was stolen and never reappeared. The Hope diamond derived its name from its purchase by Mr H. T. Hope for 90,000 dollars more than 50 years ago. It is supposed always to bring misfortune to its owner. Mrs McLean’s marriage broke up and her husband eventually died penniless in a mental hospital. The eldest son was killed by a motor car in 1918, and the only daughter Evalyn, wife of the former Senator Robert Reynolds, died mysteriously seven months ago. the doctor saying a possible cause of death was an overdose of sleeping pills. Two sons survive, x