World's largest blue diamond on show in museum

Washington: For the first time, the Hope Diamond is being shown to the public in its natural state.

The world's largest blue diamond is usually displayed in an ornate setting. But the 45.5-carat, walnut-size gem is awaiting a brand new setting, with a lofty new name, 'Embracing Hope.'

Until then, it's being shown perched starkly atop a light gray display post. 'Naked' is how one curator describes it.

The fuss comes as the gem marks a half-century at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.

The new setting will surround the famous gem in a ribbon of white diamonds. It was chosen in an online vote.

The Hope Diamond then returns to its original setting in late 2010.