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The French Blue gem (later the Hope Diamond) is stolen along with other French crown jewels from the royal storehouse in

The French Blue gem (later the Hope Diamond) is stolen along with other French crown jewels from the royal storehouse in Paris during the Reign of Terror

The Hope Diamond is a 45.52-carat (9.104 g; 0.3211 oz) blue diamond that has been famed for its great size and blue-violet color since the 17th century. It was extracted in the 17th century from the Kollur Mine in Andhra Pradesh, India. The gemstone's exceptional size has revealed new information about the formation of diamonds.

The Hope Diamond's recorded history begins in 1666, when the French gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier purchased the raw Golconda stone in India. After cutting the gem and renaming it "the French Blue" (Le bleu de France), Tavernier sold it to King Louis XIV of France in 1668.

Historical Significance

The Hope Diamond is a 45.

Events Before

  1. Long-distance communication speeds up with the unveiling of a semaphore machine in Paris

    Long-distance communication speeds up with the unveiling of a semaphore machine in Paris

  2. Constitution of May 3 is proclaimed by the Great Sejm (Parliament) of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the first mode

    Constitution of May 3 is proclaimed by the Great Sejm (Parliament) of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the first modern constitution in Europe

  3. The new French Constitution, declaring France a constitutional monarchy, is passed by the National Assembly during the F

    The new French Constitution, declaring France a constitutional monarchy, is passed by the National Assembly during the French Revolution

  4. Wolfgang Mozart's dramatic opera "La Clemenza di Tito" premieres at the Estates Theatre in Prague

    La clemenza di Tito (The Clemency of Titus), K. 621, is an opera seria in two acts composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to an Italian libretto by Caterino Mazzolà, after Pietro Metastasio.

  5. Emma, Lady Hamilton (26) marries Sir William Hamilton (60) at St Marylebone Parish Church in London

    Emma, Lady Hamilton, was an English model, dancer and actress. She began her career in London's demi-monde, becoming the mistress of a series of wealthy men, culminating in the naval hero Lord...

Events After

  1. French King Louis XVI sentenced to death by the National Convention during the French Revolution

    Louis XVI was the last king of France before the fall of the monarchy during the French Revolution.

  2. Louis XVI of France is executed by guillotine in Paris, following his conviction for high treason by the newly formed Na

    Louis XVI of France is executed by guillotine in Paris, following his conviction for high treason by the newly formed National Convention during the French Revolution

  3. Scottish explorer Alexander Mackenzie completes the first European east-to-west crossing of America north of Mexico

    Sir Alexander Mackenzie (1764 – 12 March 1820) was a Scottish-Canadian explorer and fur trader known for accomplishing the first crossing of North America north of Mexico by a European in 1793.

  4. Alexander aged 15, later Tsar Alexander I, grandson of Catherine the Great, marries German princess Louise of Baden (Eli

    Alexander aged 15, later Tsar Alexander I, grandson of Catherine the Great, marries German princess Louise of Baden (Elizabeth Alexeievna) aged14

  5. The wedding of Prince Friedrich Ludwig of Prussia and Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz takes place.

    The wedding of Prince Friedrich Ludwig of Prussia and Frederica of Mecklenburg-Strelitz takes place.

More from the 1790s

Albany replaces New York City as the capital of New York

Albany ( AWL-bə-nee) is the capital city of the U.S. state of New York. It is also the county seat of, and the most populous city in, Albany County.

Russia appoints first Jewish censor to censor Hebrew books

Russia appoints first Jewish censor to censor Hebrew books

First US President George Washington delivers the first State of the Union address

The 1790 State of the Union Address was the inaugural State of the Union address, delivered by President George Washington to the United States Congress on January 8, 1790, at the Senate Chamber of…

French King Louis XVI sentenced to death by the National Convention during the French Revolution

Louis XVI was the last king of France before the fall of the monarchy during the French Revolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on September 11, 1792?
The Hope Diamond is a 45.52-carat (9.104 g; 0.3211 oz) blue diamond that has been famed for its great size and blue-violet color since the 17th century. It was extracted in the 17th century from the Kollur Mine in Andhra Pradesh, India. The gemstone's exceptional size has revealed new information about the formation of diamonds.
Why is The French Blue gem (later the Hope Diamond) is stolen along with other Frenc... significant?
The Hope Diamond is a 45.

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September 11 in HistoryYear 1792