o how much will this cost the taxpayer in a timeof economic downturn? Government waste again Leave it alone just ine the way it is.

sheesh, that lady's laugh at the end ruins the whole video for me....wow.

Leave it alone. New designs do nothing for it. None of them really do it justice. When any one says "The Hope Diamond" I always think of it in its present setting. Changing it would spoil it all.

If you read the "small print", you will see that they are only changing the setting temporarily..it will be returned to its original setting after a short time in a new setting, so not to worry, they aren't going to change it permanently....

Dont waste our money on this give the money to people who need it to live or Eat,

WHY DOES THE SETTING HAVE TO BE CHANGED???
I HAVE SEEN THE DIAMOND AND IT IS BEAUTIFUL AS IT IS

You have got to be kidding !!!!!!! We have people in this country who are starving, unsheltered, sick and the elderly who can not afford there meds. GIVE US ALL A BREAK !!!!

Ever here the old saying, "If it ain't broke, DON'T FIX IT!" I don't care if they are going to put it back to the original when there done or not.

I agree with another poster : leave it the way it is.

Please do not waist money on such a frivolity. It's fine the way it is.

changeing the setting is changing history

ok, so if theyo are gooing to put it back in its original setting why bother putting it in a new one for a while. Don't spend money unnessarily.

When we have found any other art treasure have we changed the design? I believe we attempt to restore it to its original beauty. This is already an original. Think of Michaelangelo's work and you will understand there is no reason to change anything.

why? this doesn't make sense and seems like a dumb move as far as safety goes. If it has something to do with marketing, it is having adverse affects since it just pisses people off. rethink this move, smithsonian.

This is not the time to be spending money on jewelry.......it is beauticful as it is.

ARE YOU KIDDING, IS SOMEONE BUYING THIS OR WHAT. IT BELONGS TO THE SI AND SHOULD BE IN THE ORIGINAL STATE IT WAS/IS............WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!THIS IS A PIECE OF BEAUTY AS IS, EVEN IF IT WAS JUST A ROCK SITTING THERE.

Considering the economy and unemployment rates these days- use the money to help actual living people- the Hope Diamond is breathtaking as it is- and definitely does not need a temporary change of setting.

Considering the economy and unemployment rates these days- use the money to help actual living people- the Hope Diamond is breathtaking as it is- and definitely does not need a temporary change of setting.

I have an idea, save money by not doing anything to it, and put it on the auction block to the highest bidder, then let the taxpayers of America vote on what to do with the money instead of voting on what new design it should be set in.

How can you improve on its beauty? Leave it alone. In this case "change" is not good. There are many, many worthwhile organizations that could use the $$$$ you're throwing away and put it to good use! Stimulate the economy.

"If it ain't broke don't fix it." Use the money money it would cost donate it to feediing some of the poor people and give them some hope in the future.

I cannot believe in these times that one would THINK of wasting money on changing the setting of the Hope Diamond or anything else...there are WAY too many other people that could use that money...to feed or house themselves and their CHILDREN!...just because the government people dont have to worry about their next meal or their healthcare doesn't mean there aren't people that do. DAMN you! This country needs help!

What is the purpose of changing it and then returning it to it's original beauty? Put the time, energy and money to a better cause. We the People think that who ever thought up this idea should find something better to do with thier time and talent. Perfection can not be improved.

Please read the comments you already have. People are so fed up with the government ( in any form) spending money that IS NOT THEIR's unnecessarily..no matter what the project. Key phrase here is not the governments money..its the people's money and even monies given to Smithsonian are the peoples...Its the peoples museums!! For heavens sake.Its our money and we are tired of OBAMA and EVERYONE else in DC stealing it and spending it. NO YOU DON'T HAVE OUR PERMISSION TO RE-SET THE DAMN HOPE DIAMOND. WE SAY NO..NO..NO.. STOP ALREADY..PLEASE SHOW THESE COMMENTS TO CONGRESS AND OBAMA.

why not just use the money for other things in the Smithsonian like a new gallery or to keep up with the expense of running the musium?
I'm sure it is not cheap to run a place like that.
Maybe the Museum have too much money and they do not know what to do with it.
If I'm ever ask to donate money to the Smithsonian I will have to decline. Sorry

I agree with the frivolity of changing the setting but the ugliness of the 3 proposed settings confirms the consensus opinion of "leave it alone!"

Are you kidding? Are you really serious!!!! It is a big waste!!!! What about spending the money in something that is in really need? Do you think the donor will appreciate the change of what he tough was beautiful?

Only in America, it is a shame.

You will be loosing donations if you keep acting in this wasteful manner.

PLEASE LEAVE THE DIAMOND, THE HISTORY, THE HOPE ALONE. I could use some money for a vacation.

Hey, you should donate it to Rick Ross, he's gonna put it to good use!!! Flip it on the streets or sumn... loll

Ciao from Italy...Just wanted to add our 2 cents here, from Europe...don't change a thing...it simply can't be improved on...even on a temporary basis...please leave it alone.

I toally agree with the posting by Ann Marler. America are you ever going wake up ?