How to Draw the Hope Diamond

Learn to draw the brilliant facets of the Hope Diamond.

While not as racy as the composition that Leonardo DiCaprio drew in the movie, "Titanic," a properly executed rendition of the Hope Diamond will surely make hearts race with the sheer beauty and size of this luxurious stone and its setting. The Hope diamond itself weighs more than 45 carats, which makes its facets and reflections easy to see. Drawing diamonds takes practice and precision. With the correct tools and dedication, you can create a breathtaking composition to emulate the actual diamond. While a drawing may not equal the worth the Hope Diamond itself, the experience you gain from your practice can increase your strength and value as an artist.

Things You'll Need

• Printer
• Glossy photo paper
• Easel
• Tape
• Drawing paper
• Set of graphite pencils
• Ruler
• Set of colored pencils

Instructions

1. Print photographs of the Hope Diamond as a reference for your composition. Use glossy, high-quality printer paper to print several photos.

2. Create a work area. Tape the photographs on an easel; secure a sheet of drawing paper to the board.

3. Examine the photograph. The actual Hope Diamond is not completely spherical, but rather has a slight horizontal oval shape. Draw the oval shape in the center of your drawing paper with a fine-grade graphite pencil.

4. Draw the setting. There are 16 alternating white diamonds, in both pear-shaped and cushion cuts, that surround the Hope Diamond. The cushion cuts have square edges with a rounded or "pillow" top.

5. Create realism. The easiest way to create a realistic rendition of the Hope Diamond is to examine how the light strikes the facets in the diamond. Don't attempt to draw each individual facet; instead, draw the positive and negative spaces that the light and shadows create. Use a ruler to help create the geometric and angular shapes that light creates as it reflects off the diamonds.

6. Mark the positive or light areas of your drawing. Blend in light shades of blue and white to create the diamond's highlights. Shade in the shadows with darker blues, grays and violets where the light fails to refract.

7. Evaluate your composition. Repeatedly refer to your photographs to correct or change your drawing to get it as close as possible to the realistic setting.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for high-quality photos of the Hope Diamond to help you execute your composition.

• Blow up the photographs larger than the original size to get a better idea of the geometric pattern that the light plays on the smaller diamonds.

• Sharp pencils increases the precision of your drawing.

• Take frequent breaks as you draw to avoid eye strain.

References

• Antique Jewelry Investor: The Story of the Hope Diamond: Mike Stevens: 2009
• TV Drawing: How to Draw a Simple Diamond Gemstone Pattern: Tyler Vo
• Smithsonian: The Hope Diamond