Enlarge Smithsonian Institution The Hope Diamond with the new setting planned for it. WASHINGTON (AP)  The Hope Diamond is going bare to celebrate a half-century at the Smithsonian Institution. The mysterious blue gem was donated to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History more than 50 years ago, and the museum is celebrating by having a new setting designed. Starting in September, the 45.52 carat diamond will be exhibited as a stand-alone gem with no setting. New York jeweler Harry Winston donated the fabled diamond to the museum, and his company is designing three possible new settings. Starting Wednesday the public is being invited to vote online for their favorite, at http:www.smithsonianchannel.com/hope The winning setting will be announced late this year, and the gem will be shown in the setting starting next May, to mark the premiere of a Smithsonian Channel documentary on the diamond. The Hope has been removed from its setting for cleaning from time to time, but this is the first time it will be on public view by itself. Previously it has been shown in a platinum setting, surrounded by 16 white pear-shaped and cushion-cut diamonds, suspended from a chain containing forty-five diamonds. The Hope will return to this original setting in late 2010. "This is a rare and exciting opportunity for people to see the Hope Diamond as it has never been seen before," said museum director Cristian Samper. Formed more that a billion years ago, the diamond was mined in India and is believed later to have been part of the French crown jewels, having been stolen during the French Revolution. It later came into the possession of Henry Philip Hope, whose name it carries. The Hope Diamond was long thought to bear a curse that brought bad luck to its owners. Smithsonian officials say it has been kind to them, drawing throngs of visitors over the decades. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more