India, Oct. 2 -- Tales of cursed diamonds have floated through the corridors of history from time immemorial, but few gemstones have acquired a reputation as dark as that of the Hope Diamond. This deep-blue gemstone, weighing over 45 carat, has earned the title of the 'world's most cursed diamond', thanks to the long trail of misfortune and death it has left in its trail.

While it is today on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in the United States, the Hope Diamond traces its origins back to India.

The Hope Diamond's recorded history begins in 1666, when French traveller and gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier purchased it in India. Tavernier sold it to King Louis XIV of France in 1668.

It is commonly accept...