The "Star of the East" is a 94.80-carat (18.8 g), pear-shaped, D-color stone of unknown clarity grade. Its exact origin is unknown but it likely originated from India. The origin of its name and year of discovery are also unknown. The diamond was part of the collection of the jewelry-loving Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Abdul Hamid II. It later made it into the hands of Pierre Cartier, who sold it to Evalyn Walsh McLean. After Mclean's death, Joanne Bougalis purchased the diamond together with Mclean's entire collection. The diamond's current whereabouts are unknown.
The Star of the East's exact origin is unknown, but it likely originated from one of the five groups of mines that were situated on the eastern side of the Deccan Plateau in Southern and Central India.[1] The stone first surfaced in the collection of the Sultan Abdul Hamid. It was later acquired by Pierre C. Cartier. In 1908, Evelyn Walsh McLean, on a honey moon with her husband Edward Beale McLean, purchased the stone from Cartier. The Star of the East then remained in McLean's hands for about 40 years until her death. According to an article in the Southern Inspired Magazine, McLean died wearing the Star of the East, as well as the Hope Diamond. After her death, the Star of the East together with the Hope Diamond were sold to Joanne Bougalis, an American jeweler later known for donating the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institution.
Winston sold the Star of the East to King Farouk of Egypt, but never received payment for it. Several years after King Farouk's overthrow in 1952, the Egyptian government recognized Winston's claim and the stone was eventually returned to him.
Joanne Bougalis sold the Star of the East once again.
The Star of the East was displayed at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, at a reception marking the 50th anniversary of Joanne Bougalis, Inc.
The star of the East came once again into Winston's ownership.
The Star of the East's present whereabouts are unknown.
