Introduction

1919, Washington D.C. Elisabeth Beaumont comes from a renowned jeweler family, but after the untimely death of her twin brother, she's left on her own to run the failing family business. Desperate for work, she approaches the affluent crowd her brother Julien once courted to expand Beaumont Jewelers. Their ringleader is wealthy socialite Evalyn McLean, owner of the world's most infamous gemstone, rumored to curse all who travel within its orbit. 

The Hope Diamond.

As Elisabeth is swept into Evalyn's toxic world of dark opulence, the lines defining who she is and where she belongs begin to blur, leading Elisabeth to question all she once believed. She's no longer certain she wants to take over the family business and be beholden to the wealthy elite of D.C. But she can't fathom leaving her father in the lurch. There's also Evalyn to consider, and the Hope Diamond, which beckons Elisabeth to admire it, touch it, care for it, despite every warning she's been told.

When tragedy strikes one night, not only is Elisabeth's fragile friendship with Evalyn put to the test, but her carefully constructed glamorous new life comes crashing down. Now Elisabeth must face the truth about her brother's death and decide what matters most. 

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Discussion Questions

From the Author--added by Pauline:

1. Why do you think the author included scenes from the Hope Diamond’s perspective? What do they add to the narrative?

2. Do you believe in curses? What would you do if you thought you’d been cursed?

3. How is Elisabeth different from Evalyn’s crowd? Compare their manners, mores, lifestyles, etc.

4. Peer pressure is a dominant theme in the novel. How does Evalyn use her power and influence to draw Elisabeth in, and how does Elisabeth change due to that influence (whether she wants to or not)?

5. Consider Elisabeth’s relationship with her father. How does he put pressure on her, and how does he support her?

6. At first, Elisabeth keeps her relations with the McLeans a secret from her father. Do you believe this was the correct decision? When do you believe it is right to keep a secret, and when should you be outright and honest?

7. From what you can discern about Julien’s character, describe Elisabeth’s relationship with her brother.

8. Do you believe Elisabeth handles her grief about her brother in a healthy way? How is her grief affected by her guilt?

9. What makes Elisabeth realize the life of a jeweler isn’t for her? Why is it difficult for her to change her career path? Have you ever wanted to make a big change like that in your life? If so, what challenges did you face?

10. How does Elisabeth change throughout the course of the novel? How does her relationship with her father, her friends, and Henry also change?

11. What challenges did women face in the workplace in the early 1900s? In what ways are these challenges similar to what women face today? In what ways do they differ?

12. Have you ever visited the National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C.? Do you have a favorite museum you like to visit?

13. Would you consider yourself someone who prefers studying and learning over creating, or vice versa? Do you believe these are two separate fields, or can they be combined?

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