Among all Stradivarius instruments, the 1732 "Red Diamond" is known not only for its beauty but for its dramatic history. The violin was deeply cherished by violin expert and dealer George Hart (1839–1891), who kept it throughout his life and gave it its name — inspired by its extraordinary tonal quality, its remarkably well-preserved condition, and above all its magnificent color.

The violin left Italy when it passed from the renowned Luigi Tarisio to Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume. It subsequently passed through French violinist Henri Erwein and British violinist George Haddock before becoming the treasured instrument of George Hart. In the twentieth century it passed through bond broker Francis Jay Underhill and Emil Herrmann before being purchased in 1937 by Alice Warder, wife of a diplomat, who loaned it to the distinguished performer Sascha Jacobsen.

Then, on January 16, 1953, a violent storm struck Southern California, drawing this instrument into tragedy. Jacobsen was swept into the sea together with the violin, but survived. The "Red Diamond," found the following day on the beach in a state of collapse, was miraculously restored to playing condition through the extraordinary craftsmanship of master restorer Hans Weisshaar. The revived instrument was played by Jacobsen for the rest of his life.

After being auctioned at Sotheby's in 1971, it was acquired by W. E. Hill & Sons, and it is currently preserved in a private collection.