In the age of private sales and auction-house theatrics, the old metrics of diamond value—cut, clarity, carat and color—are only the opening act. True connoisseurs are chasing rarity, provenance ...

Jeweler Harry Winston donated the famous Hope Diamond—the largest-known deep ... that occurred a long time ago in the Earth's history. We haven't seen such eruptions in recent times.

In the pendant surrounding the Hope Diamond are 16 white diamonds, both pear-shapes and cushion cuts. A bail is soldered to the pendant where Mrs. McLean would often attach other diamonds including ...