The ‘Curse’ Collection: The Haunting Legends Behind History’s Most Famous Stones
October isn’t just about pumpkins and costumes—it’s also the perfect time to dive into the spooky side of the jewelry world! Many gemstones and jewelry pieces have been linked to myths, legends, and century-long tales. From cursed diamonds to mystical gemstones, these treasures are steeped in stories that are as captivating as they are mysterious. In this blog, we’ll take you through some of the most fascinating jewelry myths and legends.
The Myth of Amethyst
The beautiful purple Amethyst has a long history filled with myth and legend. In Greek mythology, the origin of amethyst is connected to the god of wine, Dionysus. The story goes that Dionysus, in a fit of rage, vowed to unleash tigers on the first person he encountered. That person happened to be a maiden named Amethyst, who prayed to the goddess Artemis for protection. Artemis transformed her into a white quartz statue to save her from harm. Dionysus, filled with remorse, poured wine over the statue, turning it purple—creating the gemstone we know as amethyst today.
Amethyst was also believed to prevent intoxication in ancient cultures, hence its name, which comes from the Greek word “amethystos,” meaning “not drunken.” It was often worn by soldiers as a protective talisman in battle and is still regarded as a stone of clarity, peace, and healing.
Moonstone: The Gem of Mystery and Magic
Moonstone is a gemstone that has long been associated with magic, mystery, and the moon itself. Throughout history, moonstone has been believed to hold mystical powers, often linked to the moon's phases. In ancient times, it was thought to bring protection to travelers at night, guide lovers, and provide insight during dreams.
Some cultures even believed that moonstone could unlock the wearer’s hidden potential or grant them visions of the future. Its eerie glow and connection to lunar energy make moonstone a fitting gemstone for the month of October, when the veil between the natural and supernatural is said to be at its thinnest.
The Myth of the Peridot
Peridot, with its bright green hue, has been associated with light and protection for centuries. In ancient Egypt, peridot was known as the “gem of the sun,” and it was believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and nightmares. The Egyptians mined peridot in the Red Sea, and it was considered a protective stone for wearers.
Peridot has also been linked to healing powers, including boosting strength, calming anger, and bringing happiness to the wearer. Legend says that peridot glows with an inner light, making it a powerful tool for those seeking spiritual growth or protection against the forces of darkness.
Black Onyx: A Stone of Protection or a Portal to the Unknown?
Black onyx is another gemstone surrounded by both reverence and fear. In many ancient cultures, black onyx was believed to ward off evil spirits and protect against negative energies. However, in some darker legends, black onyx was said to be a stone that could open a portal to the underworld.
People often wore black onyx amulets to keep dark forces at bay, especially during times when they felt spiritually vulnerable. Its deep, inky hue and protective properties make black onyx a popular choice for those who love a little mystery with their jewelry, especially during the spooky season.
Opals: Beautiful Yet Misunderstood
Opals, with their fiery, kaleidoscopic colors, have been both adored and feared throughout history. In the Middle Ages, opals were considered to bring good luck because they contained the colors of all other gemstones. However, during the 19th century, opals developed a reputation for being cursed and were thought to bring bad luck and misfortune to their owners.
This myth likely stemmed from the novel Anne of Geierstein by Sir Walter Scott, where an opal causes a character's downfall. Despite these superstitions, opals have regained their popularity as stunning gemstones, beloved for their unique beauty and vibrant play of colors.
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond: A Jewel of Power and Peril
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond—meaning “Mountain of Light” in Persian—has a history as dazzling as it is ominous. This 105.6-carat diamond, now part of the British Crown Jewels, has traveled through the hands of empires and monarchs, each encounter seeming to bring about a new wave of tragedy and turmoil. Originating in India, the Koh-i-Noor has been prized not only for its exceptional size and clarity but also feared for the sinister legend that follows it wherever it goes.
via CultureAnd
According to the curse that haunts the Koh-i-Noor, this powerful diamond brings great fortune to any woman who wears it but spells disaster for any man who dares to claim it as his own. The gem is said to carry a unique power over men, inflicting a streak of misfortune, betrayal, and even death upon male rulers who have attempted to wield its brilliance. From emperors to kings, many of its male owners have experienced terrible downfalls, almost as though the diamond itself exacts a heavy toll on those who dare to possess it.
The Koh-i-Noor’s eerie journey began in ancient India, where it was initially possessed by Indian maharajahs. But its dark legacy took hold as it passed through the hands of successive conquerors, many of whom met disastrous fates. When Persian ruler Nader Shah invaded India in 1739, he seized the Koh-i-Noor, only to be assassinated not long after. The diamond’s curse continued its rampage when Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, acquired it, only for his empire to fall into turmoil upon his death.
The diamond’s shadowy reputation only grew darker when it fell into British hands in 1849 as spoils of war. Eventually, it was set in the crown of Queen Victoria, but only female members of the British royal family have worn it since, heeding the warning that misfortune would strike any man who tried.
The Black Orlov Diamond
Also known as the "Eye of Brahma Diamond," this 67.5-carat black diamond has a dark history. According to legend, it was originally a 195-carat diamond that was stolen from an idol of the Hindu god Brahma in India. It is believed that the theft cursed the stone. Over the years, several owners of the diamond reportedly met with tragic deaths, including two Russian princesses and one of the diamond’s owners who allegedly committed suicide by jumping from a building. The curse is said to have been lifted after the diamond was cut into three smaller pieces.
via DSF Antique Jewelry
The Delhi Purple Sapphire (Amethyst)
Despite its name, the Delhi Purple Sapphire is actually an amethyst, and it has a reputation for bringing bad luck to its owners. The gemstone was originally looted from a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Indra during the Indian Mutiny of 1857. After it was brought to England, it was said to bring illness, financial ruin, and misfortune to all who owned it.
via Sami Fine Jewelry
One of the stone’s early owners, Colonel W. Ferris, experienced a string of personal and financial disasters after acquiring the gem. His misfortune continued even after he passed the stone down to his son, who also suffered from bad luck. Later, the amethyst came into the possession of Edward Heron-Allen, a scientist and author, who claimed the stone was "trebly cursed." He reportedly attempted to rid himself of the stone multiple times, but it kept finding its way back to him. In a final effort to be rid of it, he sealed it in a bank vault with a note warning future owners of its curse. Today, the Delhi Purple Sapphire is kept at the Natural History Museum in London, where it no longer wreaks havoc on its owners.
La Peregrina Pearl
Known for its incredible size and beauty, the La Peregrina Pearl has a long history of adorning European royalty, but it also carries a reputation for misfortune. Discovered off the coast of Panama in the 16th century, the pearl was gifted to King Philip II of Spain, who then presented it to Queen Mary I of England. Mary I, also known as "Bloody Mary" for her persecution of Protestants, wore the pearl throughout her troubled reign. Following her death, the pearl passed through the hands of numerous Spanish royals, many of whom experienced personal and political turmoil.
via The Court Jeweller
In modern times, the La Peregrina Pearl was famously owned by actress Elizabeth Taylor, who received it as a gift from her husband, Richard Burton. While Taylor adored the pearl, her tumultuous relationship with Burton and subsequent divorces have been linked to the "curse" surrounding the gem. La Peregrina Pearl remains one of the most famous pearls in history, with a story as dramatic as its appearance.
The Lydian Hoard (The Karun Treasure)
The Lydian Hoard, also known as the Karun Treasure, is an ancient collection of gold, silver, and gemstones that originated in the kingdom of Lydia in modern-day Turkey. The treasure was looted from burial mounds in the 1960s and smuggled out of Turkey, eventually ending up in museums around the world. However, many believe the artifacts carry a curse for having been stolen from their rightful resting place.
The smuggling of the Lydian Hoard led to a series of legal battles and misfortune for those involved. Many individuals connected to the looting and sale of the treasure met with mysterious illnesses or deaths. Turkey eventually won a legal battle to have the hoard returned, and the artifacts are now on display in the Usak Museum in Turkey. Despite their return, the legend of the curse remains.
The Hope Diamond: A Legendary Curse
One of the most infamous pieces of jewelry in history, the Hope Diamond is not just known for its breathtaking beauty but also for the curse that supposedly follows it. This stunning blue diamond, now housed in the Smithsonian, is said to have brought misfortune and tragedy to many of its owners throughout history.
via The Telegraph
The story of the Hope Diamond begins in the 1600s when a French gem merchant named Jean-Baptiste Tavernier acquired the original stone, a massive 112-carat blue diamond, during one of his trips to India. According to legend, the diamond was stolen from the eye of a sacred statue of the Hindu goddess Sita, thus angering the gods and cursing anyone who dared to possess the stone.
After Tavernier brought the diamond back to France, it was purchased by King Louis XIV in 1668 and became part of the French crown jewels. The stone was recut and reduced to 67.1 carats, becoming known as the "French Blue." For over a century, the diamond remained in the hands of French royalty, until the French Revolution changed its fate.
The Curse of the Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond’s reputation for bringing bad luck began to grow in the 19th century, as it passed through the hands of various owners who allegedly met tragic fates. The curse is said to have claimed the lives and fortunes of many who possessed the diamond. Among the rumored victims of the curse:
- Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette: Both were executed during the French Revolution, after the diamond had been part of the French crown jewels.
- Princess de Lamballe: A close friend of Marie Antoinette, was brutally murdered during the revolution, also believed to have worn the diamond.
- Henry Philip Hope’s Family: Though Henry Philip Hope himself lived a relatively peaceful life, his family suffered financial ruin and his heirs were forced to sell the diamond to settle debts.
- Jacques Colet: A subsequent owner who allegedly committed suicide after acquiring the diamond.
- Evalyn Walsh McLean: The wealthy American socialite, who famously purchased the diamond in 1911, is often cited as one of the most notable victims of the curse. While she cherished the diamond, her life was marred by tragedies: her son died in a car accident, her daughter overdosed, and her husband was eventually committed to a mental institution.
While the truth of these stories remains uncertain, the lore surrounding the Hope Diamond’s curse has only grown with time, adding to its mystique.
The Smithsonian and the Hope Diamond Today
Today, the Hope Diamond remains one of the Smithsonian’s most visited and admired exhibits. It weighs 45.52 carats and is set in a stunning necklace surrounded by 16 white diamonds. Its deep blue color, caused by traces of boron within the stone, continues to captivate millions of visitors each year. Despite its dark history, the Hope Diamond seems to have found peace in its permanent home.
The Legend Lives On
Though science and reason may cast doubt on the idea of a "cursed" diamond, the legend of the Hope Diamond endures. Whether you see it as a tragic jewel or simply one of the most beautiful stones in the world, there’s no denying its powerful allure. The Hope Diamond remains a symbol of both beauty and mystery, forever linked to the fascinating—and sometimes eerie—stories of its past.
These legends and myths add rich layers of intrigue and meaning to gemstones, transforming them from mere adornments into symbols of power, protection, and mystery. Whether used in royal crowns, amulets, or engagement rings, these precious stones have captured the imagination of cultures worldwide for centuries.
At Sarah Elise Jewelry, we’re inspired by the rich history and allure of famous gemstones like the Hope Diamond. While we can’t promise our jewelry comes with such dramatic backstories, we can promise elegance, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty.
Explore our collection of exquisite gemstones and diamonds, and let your jewelry tell a story of its own.
