While the Hope Diamond has a storied history with many owners, no actress is specifically known to have owned this legendary blue diamond.
Notable Ownership: Evalyn Walsh McLean
One of the most prominent private owners of the Hope Diamond was Evalyn Walsh McLean, an American socialite and mining heiress, rather than an actress. She acquired the diamond in 1911, marking a significant period in its journey through history.
The Acquisition and Pierre Cartier's Influence
Evalyn Walsh McLean's purchase of the Hope Diamond was reportedly influenced by jeweler Pierre Cartier. There was speculation that Cartier further embroidered the lurid tales surrounding the diamond to intrigue McLean, ultimately enticing her to buy it. This added to the diamond's mystique and its growing reputation.
McLean owned the diamond for decades, often wearing it publicly. After her death, the Hope Diamond was eventually sold to Harry Winston, who later donated it to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958, where it remains a star attraction in the National Museum of Natural History.
