Bonus Episode: Fun with Friends

"While both of us were in San Diego together, we decided to record a podcast to make up for the one that was lost to the road trip. Joined by our friends Nic and Bones, we talk about the cursed Hope Diamond and the cursed Italian Royal Wedding."

Presented by: Cristina
Category: Curse

The history of the Hope Diamond is somewhat murky, but it originated in India as was part of a pair that served as the eyes of statue. It ended up in the hands of a French merchant, either through theft, purchase or, most likely, theft. It was sold and resold until it ended up in the Smithsonian Museum, where it resides today.

The only reason anybody knows about this diamond is because of the curse rumored to be attached to it. A number of tragedies have befallen those who have owned it, or even possessed it for a short time. One borrower was murdered by her lover and another died in prison, as did one who given it to clean. Of course, there is little physical evidence to back up these claims.

Presented by: Cristina
Category: Curse

The wedding Prince Amadeo of Savoy to Maria Vittoria dal Pozzo, and the preparation thereof, may very well hold the record for the highest body count:


 * The maid making the wedding dress hung herself (the bride elected to get a different dress).
 * An officer on horseback died when he fell from his horse from sunstroke.
 * The gate keeper was found dead, another possible suicide.
 * The best man shot himself in the head while checking his gun.
 * The official writing the marriage contract suffered a stroke.
 * The stationmaster who was going to help him board a train for their honeymoon was crushed under a train.
 * Another officer fell from his horse and was crushed under a carriage.

Many agree there was a curse, but the cause is unknown. The story does not have a happy ending, as Maria died giving birth to their third child.