In 1958, jeweller Harry Winston donated the 45.52-carat Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian museum and sent it through the US mail in a plain brown package, paying postage and insurance of about $145

In 1958, jeweller Harry Winston donated the 45.52-carat Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian museum and sent it through the US mail in a plain brown package, paying postage and insurance of about $145

The Hope Diamond embarked on a remarkable journey in 1958 when it was sent as registered mail to the Smithsonian Institution for safekeeping. This precious gem, with its origins in India, has a captivating royal history. American jeweller Harry Winston generously donated it to the museum after obtaining it from Evalyn Walsh McLean's estate in 1949.