Editor’s Note
The Smithsonian’s Hope Diamond is being joined by a stunning new neighbor—the Winston Red Diamond—alongside other exceptional gems, creating a breathtaking new display.
The Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History is getting a dazzling display case neighbor — and a few extra friends.
The Winston Red Diamond will be unveiled on April 1, along with the Winston Fancy Color Diamond Collection. The diamonds have been donated by Ronald Winston, son of well-known jeweler and gem collector Harry Winston, who donated the iconic Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian in 1958.
The Smithsonian calls the Winston donations among the most significant gifts ever received. It did not, however, disclose the value of the Winston Red Diamond or the Winston Fancy Color Diamond Collection. The diamonds will be displayed in the Winston Gallery at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
According to a Smithsonian statement announcing the donation, natural red diamonds are among the rarest gemstones. The Winston Red Diamond is 2.33 carats, among the largest to have the “Fancy red” color grade from the Gemological Institute of America. Insiders believe fewer than one in 25 million diamonds could have the color distinction.
The Winston Red Diamond will be displayed alongside the 40 other gems in the Winston Fancy Color Diamond Collection.
Gems & Gemology, a quarterly publication produced by the Gemological Institute of America, will publish a study on the science and history of the Winston Red Diamond in its upcoming spring issue.