A new necklace setting for the Hope Diamond — the Smithsonian's 45.52-carat gemstone rumored to have been cut from King Louis XIV's conspicuous (and allegedly cursed) Blue Diamond of the Crown — was debuted this week in Washington, D.C., by Harry Winston jewelers, the same institution that donated the diamond to Smithsonian's National Gem Collection in 1958. Crafted from 340 baguette diamonds set in platinum ribbons, the setting — called "Embracing Hope"— took eight master jewelers more than 1,000 hours to create. Thin diamond bands loop around the rare ornament, enclosing it leaf-shaped mold.
 
"People were delighted to see the Hope Diamond displayed in a modern way, which highlighted the beauty and blue color of the stone," according to a Harry Winston.

The Hope Diamond will not tarry in the necklace for long, as the setting will be refit with another precious gem to be privately sold next year. Proceeds from the sale will go toward a separate gift to the Smithsonian of at least $1 million to support the museum's educational initiatives in celebration of the anniversary of Harry Winston's donation of the diamond. In addition, the company has announced it will donate a minimum of 5% of its annual pre-tax profits to support education worldwide.
Behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the necklace will air November 21 on a new documentary made for the Smithsonian Channel, which also includes coverage of Estée Lauder supermodel Hilary Rhoda wearing the "Embracing Hope" creation during a photo shoot at the museum.