Specifications
Weight: 70.21 carats
Dimensions: 26.1 x 24.53 x 13.43 mm
Color: Very Light Blue
Weight of Rough: Unknown
Origin: India?
Date Found: Early 1600’s?
Current Location: Private Ownership
Details
This stone was offered at a Christie’s auction in 1865, its first authenticated appearance. It was probably mined in Golconda, India in the early 1600’s. Rumor says it was in the eye of an idol and stolen (how unusual is this story?), finding its way to Europe in the 1700’s. Harry Levinson, a Chicago jeweler, was the last confirmed public owner. It is now privately owned, probably in the Middle or Far East.
GIA has graded this as a blue diamond. Although many think the Hope is the world’s largest blue diamond, this is clearly erroneous, as the Idol’s Eye is approximately 25 carats larger.