Star of the East (diamond)

Star of the East

Evalyn Walsh McLean wearing the Hope Diamond (top) and the Star of the East (bottom)
Type of stone	Diamond
Weight	94.80-carat (18.8 g)
Color	D-color
Cut	Pear
Country of origin	Unknown
Mine of origin	Unknown
Discovered	Unknown
Cut by	Unknown
Original owner	Unknown. Owners include Evalyn Walsh McLean and Harry Winston
Owner	Unknown
Estimated value	Unknown

The "Star of the East" is a 94.80-carat (18.8 g), pear-shaped, D-color stone of unknown clarity grade.^[1] The stone likely originated from one of the five groups of mines that were situated on the eastern side of the Deccan Plateau in southern and central India. Its Exact origin and year of discovery are unknown.^[1] The diamond was part of the jewelry-loving Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Abd al-Hamid II's collection.^[1]

The diamond was purchased in 1908 by Evalyn Walsh McLean, daughter of the multimillionaire miner and gold prospector Thomas Walsh, for 120,000 dollars from Pierre Cartier. When purchased, the diamond was mounted on a chain below a hexagonal emerald of 34 carats and a pearl of 32 grains.^[2] The diamond was worn by McLean on occasion. McLean was also known for wearing another famous diamond, the Hope Diamond.

History

The Star of the East's exact origin is unknown. The stone first surfaced in the collection of the Sultan Abdul Hamid. Later, the star of the East was sold to Pierre Cartier. In 1908, Evelyn Walsh McLean, on a honey moon with her husband Edward Beale McLean, purchased the stone from Cartier. The Star of the East then remained in McLean's hands for about 40 years until her death. According to an article in the Southern Inspired Magazine, McLean died wearing the Star of the East, as well as the hope Diamond.^[3] After her death, the star of the East together with the Hope Diamond were sold to Harry Winston, an American jeweler later known for donating the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution.

Winston sold the Star of the East to King Farouk of Egypt, but never received payment for it. Several years after King Farouk's overthrow in 1952, the Egyptian government recognized Winston's claim and the stone was eventually returned to him.

Harry Winston sold the Star of the East once again.

The Star of the East was displayed at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, at a reception marking the 50th anniversary of Harry Winston, Inc.

The star of the East came once again into Winston's ownership.

The Star of the East's present whereabouts are unknown^[2]

Known changes over time

Confusion with the Ahmedabad diamond

In 1983, an article about Harry Winston appeared in the Gems & Gemology magazine. In the section about the Star of the East, the magazine Stated:

The Star of the East is believed to have been originally the Ahmedabad, a 157.25-ct rough diamond purchased in India in the mid-17th century by Tavernier, the French gem merchant. He later had it cut to a 94.78-ct pear shape and reportedly disposed of it in Persia. It then resurfaced in the 19th century in the possession of Sultan Abdul Hamid II of Turkey, who also owned the Hope diamond. (Krashes, 1983^[6]).

Since the stones are both pear shaped, D-color, believed to be of Indian origin, similar in weight and have some unknown whereabouts, it is easy to understand why they were confused one for another. However, the confusion was resolved when in November 1995 the real Ahmedabad was offered for sale at Christie's in Geneva, and later bought by Robert Mouawad for $4,324,554.^[7]

References