Throughout history, diamonds have signified many things to many cultures, from wealth, power and love to mystical God-like powers. But one stone's global fame and mystique has surpassed all others: the legendary Hope Diamond.
This 45-carat, deep blue gemstone is the most valuable diamond in the world, and the most coveted and mysterious. It has been at The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, in Washington DC, for over 50 years.
Allegedly a curse to all that own it, the diamond's bizarre properties have mystified scientists for decades and its sinister reputation as a 'hoodoo gem' has spawned thousands of paparazzi headlines.
Not only is the Hope Diamond an object of spectacular provenance, science has declared it a geological anomaly. Under UV light the diamond glows an eerie deep blood red.
To some, this provides compelling evidence of a supernatural force but for a group of expert scientists it has inspired a major pioneering yet high-risk investigation to unlock the secrets to this precious gem's strange behaviour.
This film follows the investigation from the initial piecing together of clues, to uncovering the truth behind the Hope Diamond.
On TV
First Shown
| Date | Time | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 24 May 2010 | 8PM | Channel 4 |
Last Shown
| Date | Time | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 24 May 2010 | 8PM | Channel 4 |
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