Barbara Hutton, an American millionairess, played a significant role in the history of the "Pasha of Egypt" diamond. However, before delving into her connection with the diamond, let's explore some important details about her life and her notable contributions.
Barbara Hutton, born on November 14, 1912, in New York City, was an heiress to the vast Woolworth fortune. She was the only child of Franklyn Laws Hutton, a successful businessman, and Edna Woolworth, the daughter of the founder of the Woolworth chain of stores. From an early age, Barbara Hutton was accustomed to a life of luxury and privilege. However, her childhood was marred by personal tragedies, including the death of her mother when she was only five years old.
As she grew older, Barbara Hutton became one of the most renowned socialites of her time, regularly making headlines for her extravagant lifestyle and high-profile marriages. She had a string of unsuccessful marriages, including to European nobility and famous figures such as Cary Grant and Prince Igor Troubetzkoy. Despite her immense wealth, Hutton's personal life was marked by loneliness and unhappiness.
Now let's turn our attention to the "Pasha of Egypt" diamond and its association with Barbara Hutton. The diamond derived its name from Ibrahim Pasha, the Viceroy of Egypt under Ottoman rule, who acquired it for £28,000. Described as an octagonal-shaped diamond weighing 40 carats, it was hailed as the finest gem in the Egyptian Treasury during Ibrahim Pasha's time.
Years later, Ismail Pasha assumed power in Egypt in 1863, overseeing a period of significant economic development but also accumulating a colossal debt of £100,000,000 due to his policies. Forced into exile in 1879 after being deposed by the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Ismail Pasha is believed to have taken a considerable amount of valuables, including the "Pasha of Egypt" diamond, when he left Egypt. The diamond's subsequent journey saw it purportedly being sold to an Englishman, possibly due to the strong historical ties between Egypt and Britain.
In 1933, the diamond resurfaced when the London firm of T.M. Sutton offered it to Cartier's, a prestigious jeweler. At this point, the "Pasha of Egypt" diamond made its way back to Egypt in the possession of King Farouk. However, it did not remain with him for long, as the renowned Italian jeweler Bulgari acquired it from the Egyptian king. Ultimately, the diamond found its way into the hands of Barbara Hutton, who purchased it from Bulgari.
Barbara Hutton, known for her discerning taste and desire for perfection, was dissatisfied with the diamond's octagonal shape. To address her concerns, she decided to have the diamond recut at Cartier's, resulting in a reduction in weight from 38.19 carats to 36.22 carats. The diamond was then set into a ring, creating a magnificent piece of jewelry that became one of Barbara Hutton's most treasured possessions.
Today, the "Pasha of Egypt" diamond remains privately owned in Europe, a testament to its enduring beauty and the intriguing journey it undertook throughout history. The diamond's association with influential figures such as Ibrahim Pasha, Ismail Pasha, and Barbara Hutton adds to its allure and serves as a reminder of the significant roles these individuals played in shaping its narrative.
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