When most people picture antiquing, it’s at a quaint shop in the village, or an estate sale. People come home with a new-to-them piece of furniture, a collectible, jewelry, or even a doll.
But, what if that new trinket turned deadly?
Antiques are often treasured for their beauty, history, and the stories they carry through time. However, some of these artifacts come with more than just tales of the past—they bring misfortune, tragedy, and even death.
Across the world, certain objects have been linked to eerie occurrences, unexplained phenomena, and in some cases, fatal consequences. Whether you believe in curses or not, these artifacts have left a chilling legacy that continues to haunt those who encounter them.
The Hope Diamond: A Price Too High
The Hope Diamond is one of the world’s most famous jewels, but it carries a dark reputation. Believed to be cursed, many of its owners have met untimely deaths. The diamond, now housed in the Smithsonian Institution, is said to bring misfortune and suffering to those who possess it, with a trail of tragic events linked to its past owners.
The Busby Stoop Chair: A Seat of Death
In a quaint English pub, a chair sits that no one dares to use. Known as the Busby Stoop Chair, it was once owned by Thomas Busby, who cursed it before his execution in 1702. Since then, anyone who has sat in the chair has reportedly died under strange and violent circumstances. Today, the chair is hung on a wall to prevent anyone from sitting in it.
The Dybbuk Box: A Pandora’s Box of Evil
The Dybbuk Box is a small wine cabinet said to be haunted by a restless spirit, known as a dybbuk, from Jewish folklore. The box’s owner experienced nightmares, illness, and strange occurrences, leading to the belief that the spirit within causes misfortune. Multiple owners of the box have reported terrifying experiences, some claiming it has led to health issues and death.
The Cursed Mirror of Myrtles Plantation: Reflections of the Dead
Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana is considered one of America’s most haunted houses, and one artifact there is particularly sinister—a large, antique mirror. According to legend, the mirror holds the spirits of a mother and her children who were poisoned in the house. Visitors and owners have reported seeing ghostly figures in the mirror, and some claim those who gaze into it too long meet an untimely end.
The Black Orlov Diamond: A Jewel of Doom
The Black Orlov Diamond, also known as the Eye of Brahma, is a 67.5-carat diamond with a deadly reputation. Said to have been stolen from a Hindu idol, the gem supposedly cursed those who took it. Several owners and those associated with the diamond met tragic deaths, including suicides and mysterious accidents.
The Crying Boy Paintings: Flames of Misfortune
During the 1980s in England, a series of house fires were linked to the presence of a painting known as The Crying Boy. The artwork, depicting a tearful child, was often found untouched by flames while everything around it burned. Rumors spread that the painting was cursed, bringing fire and disaster to any home it was in. Though some dismiss the curse as coincidence, the stories persist.
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond: A Curse on Men
The Koh-i-Noor Diamond is one of the largest and most famous diamonds in the world, but it carries a sinister legend. The diamond is said to bring misfortune to any man who owns it, leading to downfall and death. Throughout history, it has passed through the hands of many rulers, many of whom met tragic ends. Today, the British royal family possesses the diamond, but it is only worn by women, in line with the legend.
The Conjure Chest: A Cabinet of Curses
The Conjure Chest, now kept in the Kentucky History Museum, was created in the 1830s and cursed by an enslaved African-American man as an act of revenge. Since then, the chest has been linked to the deaths of at least 17 people, most of whom died after placing personal items inside it. The curse was believed to be so powerful that a ritual was performed to try and neutralize it, though many believe the curse lingers.
The Screaming Skull of Bettiscombe Manor: A Haunting Cry
Bettiscombe Manor in England is home to a chilling artifact—a skull that is said to scream. According to legend, the skull belongs to an enslaved man who cursed the house when his dying wish to be returned to his homeland was ignored. Ever since, strange occurrences and death have followed those who disturbed the skull, with its eerie cries echoing through the manor.
There is even a film that was made about the legend.
The Delhi Purple Sapphire: A Gem of Misfortune
The Delhi Purple Sapphire, actually an amethyst, was looted from a temple in India and brought to England. The gemstone, housed in the Natural History Museum in London, is believed to be cursed, causing misfortune and even death to those who possessed it. Its various owners suffered bankruptcy, illness, and despair, leading to the belief that it carries a powerful curse.
The Haunted Wedding Dress: A Bride’s Eternal Sorrow
Anna Baker’s wedding dress, now displayed in the Baker Mansion Museum in Pennsylvania, is said to be cursed. Anna was a wealthy woman who fell in love with a man her father disapproved of, and she never married. After her death, her wedding dress was reported to move on its own, particularly on nights when a full moon shone. Visitors and staff have claimed to witness the dress swaying as if an invisible bride is preparing for a wedding that never happened.
The Terrifying Toy: Robert the Doll
Robert the Doll, now kept in a museum in Key West, Florida, was once a child’s toy. However, it’s far from a playful artifact. The doll is said to be possessed, causing misfortune and even death to those who disrespect it. Visitors to the museum report that taking a picture of Robert without asking for permission results in terrible luck, and some claim the doll’s expression changes if it’s angered.
The Cursed Tomb of Tutankhamun: Death Awaits
The discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 was one of the greatest archaeological finds, but it came with a deadly price. Shortly after the tomb was opened, many of those involved in the excavation died under mysterious circumstances. The “curse of the pharaohs” was said to strike down anyone who disturbed the resting place of the ancient Egyptian king, leading to widespread fear and speculation.
These 23 Titanic Facts That Will Make You See the Tragedy in a New Light
The Titanic, perhaps the most legendary ship ever, was a masterpiece of early 20th-century engineering, funded by American tycoon J.P. Morgan and constructed at the Harland and Wolff Shipyard. Thanks to the movie and other works of popular fiction, any people think they know everything there is to know about the Titanic, but they’re wrong.
Read More: These 23 Titanic Facts That Will Make You See the Tragedy in a New Light
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
