The Hope Diamond, one of the most famous gemstones in the world, is about to get a makeover for the first time in one hundred years.



The blue diamond is on display at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., where some 7 million throng to see it. The Hope Diamond is linked to a long history that involves kings, queens, thefts and a curse.



Choosing a unique way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the diamond's arrival at the Smithsonian Institution, officials have commissioned three new designs for the diamond’s next setting. The US public will choose its preference among the three settings, and the diamond is scheduled to go on display in the winning setting next year. After about six months it will go back to its historic setting, and will be on display in its original form.



The Hope Diamond is not the world’s largest diamond, but it is the largest blue diamond in existence.



The diamond was most likely discovered in India in the 17th century. It was originally a much larger stone, known as the French Blue, which belonged to King Louis XIV of France. The French Blue, along with the rest of France's crown jewels, disappeared during the French Revolution, but turned up 20 years later in London, in the cut-down form now known as the Hope Diamond.



Several owners of the Hope Diamond met unfortunate ends, most notably Louis XVI, who was led to the guillotine in 1793. Be that as it may, the Hope Diamond has brought good fortune and many tourists to the Smithsonian.