Introduction

Clara Smith Hamon was an American socialite born in the year 1897. She was married to oil tycoon, Edward L. Doheny, and was widely known for her extravagant lifestyle and expensive diamond jewelry. Despite being a prominent figure in the US, Clara Hamon’s net worth remains a topic of debate among historians and financial analysts. In this blog post, we will unveil Clara Smith Hamon’s secret net worth and explore how much she really earned during her lifetime.

1. Clara Hamon’s Early Life and Career

Clara Smith Hamon was born in Dallas, Texas, to a family of socialites. Her father, Thomas T. Smith, was a prominent businessman, and her mother, Fannie, was a well-known philanthropist. As a young woman, Clara had a keen interest in fashion and began modeling for local designers in Dallas. Eventually, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in modeling and acting.

2. Meeting Edward L. Doheny

In New York City, Clara met Edward L. Doheny, a wealthy oil tycoon and the owner of Pan-American Petroleum and Transport Company. The two soon fell in love and got married in 1916. This marriage would change Clara’s life forever and pave the way for her lavish lifestyle.

3. Clara’s Extravagant Lifestyle and Expensive Diamond Jewelry

As Clara settled into her new life as a wealthy socialite, she began indulging in luxurious purchases. One of her most famous purchases was the Hope Diamond, which she bought for a whopping $300,000. Clara also owned several other expensive diamond pieces, including a necklace with a 66-carat diamond and a pearl necklace that once belonged to Marie Antoinette.

4. Clara’s Involvement in the Tea Pot Dome Scandal

In 1922, Clara and her husband became embroiled in the Tea Pot Dome Scandal, a government bribery investigation involving the sale of oil reserves to private companies. Edward was accused of bribing government officials, and Clara was accused of funneling money to the officials on behalf of her husband. The couple was put on trial, but Edward was acquitted, and Clara was granted immunity in exchange for her testimony.

5. Clara and Edward’s Fortune

Despite the scandal, Edward’s oil empire continued to thrive, and he remained one of the wealthiest men in the US. It is estimated that at the time of his death in 1935, his net worth was around $100 million. It is unclear how much of this fortune Clara inherited upon his death.

6. Clara’s Later Life and Death

After Edward’s death, Clara’s extravagant lifestyle began to decline. She moved to Europe, where she lived a quieter life in Paris and Nice. She passed away in 1960, leaving behind a legacy of wealth and glamour.

7. Clara’s Secret Net Worth

Despite being a prominent figure in the US and living an extravagant lifestyle, Clara’s secret net worth remains a topic of debate among historians and financial analysts. Some estimates put her net worth at around $10 million, while others suggest that she may have been worth much more.

FAQs

Q1. What was Clara Smith Hamon’s occupation?
A1. Clara Smith Hamon was a model and actress.

Q2. Who was Clara Smith Hamon married to?
A2. Clara Smith Hamon was married to Edward L. Doheny, a prominent oil tycoon.

Q3. What was Clara’s most famous purchase?
A3. Clara’s most famous purchase was the Hope Diamond, which she bought for $300,000.

Q4. What was the Tea Pot Dome Scandal?
A4. The Tea Pot Dome Scandal was a government bribery investigation involving the sale of oil reserves to private companies.

Q5. How much was Edward L. Doheny worth?
A5. Edward L. Doheny was worth an estimated $100 million at the time of his death in 1935.

Q6. What was Clara Smith Hamon’s net worth?
A6. Clara Smith Hamon’s net worth remains a topic of debate among historians and financial analysts. Some estimates put her net worth at around $10 million.

Q7. When did Clara Smith Hamon pass away?
A7. Clara Smith Hamon passed away in 1960.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Clara Smith Hamon was a prominent figure in American society and known for her expensive diamond jewelry and extravagant lifestyle. Despite being married to one of the richest oil tycoons in the US, her net worth remains a topic of debate among historians. Whether she was worth $10 million or much more, Clara’s legacy of wealth and glamour will always be remembered.