My husband and I started watching Lupin, a French Netflix show about a thief. The first episode involves the theft of a necklace worn by Marie Antoinette. It had been lost for a time after the revolution, then resurfaced a few times before landing with a private citizen who was selling it.Â
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Watching the show made me think of all the research I did for With This Ring, I Thee Kill, which involves the French Blue (another stone from Louis the XVI's time). The French Blue has an interesting history filled with lore and a curse. I outline this history at the end of the book, but the Cliffs Notes version is that the stone was eventually cut, sold, and now sits in the
Smithsonian known as the Hope Diamond. For fun, I thought I'd share why some feel the stone is cursed:
The curse of the Hope Diamond comes from the odd and unfortunate deaths and misfortunes many have suffered after owning or handling the stone. Some of these events may be more legend than truth, such as Tavernier being mauled by dogs. However, other accidents can be proven.
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Here are some of the ill-fated events supposedly suffered by people who were in contact with the Hope Diamond.
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Jean-Baptiste Tavernier was a French diamond merchant who obtained the stone that would eventually become the Hope Diamond in India. Tavernier was mauled to death by dogs in Russia. Some stories indicate Tavernier stole the diamond from a Hindu temple and in retaliation, the Hindu people cursed the stone. Although it’s unclear how Tavernier obtained the diamond, most experts don’t think he took it from a temple. He may not have been mauled by dogs either.
Madam Montespan, Louis XVI's mistress, was accused of participating in witchcraft and black masses.
Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, owners of the stone, were guillotined.
Selim Habib, a wealthy Turkish diamond merchant, purchased the stone in 1909 and later died in a shipwreck.
Mrs. McLean bought the stone from Cartier. Later her son died in a freak car accident, her daughter committed suicide, and her husband ended up committed to an insane asylum.
James Todd, the postman who delivered the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian, ended up in a truck accident that crushed his leg and his house burnt down.Â
Better yet, check out what happens when Jack gives Tess an engagement ring that people are killing for in With This Ring, I Thee Kill, book three in the Valentine mystery series (available from your favorite ebook retailer).Â
Wedding bells are in Jack and Tess’ future, that is, if the people trying to kill them for Tess’ engagement ring don’t succeed. Together Jack and Tess research the ring to discover why people are willing to kill to possess it. Their investigation takes them back to 18th century France, when black magic and potions were used to secure love, power and status. Tess’ friend, an expert in French antiques, agrees to help, but is she really helping or is she behind the plot? And will Jack and
Tess make it to their wedding day or will fate tear them apart forever?
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👉DON'T FORGET! You can get ALL 6 of the Valentine books plus the Christmas novella for half-price what you'd pay at your favorite ebook retailers. Valentine Special 50% Off Offer
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Thank you for all your support!Â
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Until next time...Peace, Love, and Happily Ever After
