Events & AwardsNov 12, 2021
A New Jewelry Exhibition Celebrates Jewels Inspired by NatureEvents & AwardsDec 06, 2021
There Will Soon Be 100+ Rare Gems on Display in LA
The 71.19-carat “Northern Light” green diamond and the 108.03-carat “Blue Splendor of Ceylon” sapphire are just two examples.
The “Blue Splendor of Ceylon,” a 108.03-carat oval blue sapphire (Photo credit: Robert Procop/Image courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County)
Los Angeles—The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is giving rockhounds a rare opportunity with an upcoming exhibition of exceptional gems and jewels.
“Brilliance: The Art and Science of Rare Jewels” will be on display from Dec. 8 through Feb. 21 at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in Exposition Park, giving visitors the chance to see more than 100 rare pieces.
Notable stones include the “Celeste Diamond,” a 46.39-carat fancy blue diamond; the 42.72-carat “Pink Starburst,” the second largest pink diamond in the world; and the “Kasu Star,” one of the largest round brilliant-cut yellow diamonds in the world at 61.72 carats.
There’s also the 71.19-carat “Northern Light Diamond,” the largest green diamond in the world, and the 108.03-carat “Blue Splendor of Ceylon,” one of the finest sapphires in the world, according to NHM.
These stones will be on display next to rough mineral specimens from designer Robert Procop, who helped organize the event, and the museum’s own collection.
See: More Rare Stones and Jewels in the Upcoming Exhibition
“Brilliance: The Art and Science of Rare Jewels” will be on display from Dec. 8 through Feb. 21 at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in Exposition Park, giving visitors the chance to see more than 100 rare pieces.
Notable stones include the “Celeste Diamond,” a 46.39-carat fancy blue diamond; the 42.72-carat “Pink Starburst,” the second largest pink diamond in the world; and the “Kasu Star,” one of the largest round brilliant-cut yellow diamonds in the world at 61.72 carats.
There’s also the 71.19-carat “Northern Light Diamond,” the largest green diamond in the world, and the 108.03-carat “Blue Splendor of Ceylon,” one of the finest sapphires in the world, according to NHM.
These stones will be on display next to rough mineral specimens from designer Robert Procop, who helped organize the event, and the museum’s own collection.
See: More Rare Stones and Jewels in the Upcoming Exhibition
The “Pink Starburst” diamond, weighing 42.72 carats (Photo credit: Robert Procop/Image courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County)
This ring features the 21.01-carat “Ceylon Star” sapphire and diamond accents (Photo credit: Robert Procop/Image courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County)
The “Celeste Diamond,” a 46.39-carat fancy blue diamond (Photo credit: Robert Procop/Image courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County)
A 51.71-carat yellow-green sapphire (Photo credit: Robert Procop/Image courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County)
The “La Regina Del Colore” necklace from Robert Procop features 51.15 total carats of sapphire and diamond. (Photo credit: Robert Procop/Image courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County)
Also from Procop is this bracelet featuring 47.95 total carats of emerald and diamond (Photo credit: Robert Procop/Image courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County)
It will also showcase Procop’s “Style of Jolie” collection, created in partnership with actress and activist Angelina Jolie, featuring emerald, green beryl, citrine, and black spinel in architectural settings.
There will even be a piece inspired by Jolie’s character in the 2014 Disney film “Maleficent” on display, as well as a five-row citrine bracelet Jolie is donating to NHM’s gem and mineral collection.
“Brilliance” will also highlight the jewelry designer’s collection with actress Brooke Shields, “Luminous by Brooke,” featuring bracelets set with sapphires and diamonds, inspired by their shared interest in stargazing.
Both collaborative collections raise funds to benefit women and children in need.
Meanwhile, a video featuring Dr. Aaron Celestian, the museum’s curator of mineral sciences, and Robert Procop will discuss the science and art behind gemstones.
Visitors of the exhibition will learn where gems come from, how they form, the type of research performed with gems, and how Procop uses gems in his designs.
The exhibition is free with museum admission; entry to the gem and mineral hall is timed.
“We are thrilled to have the chance to showcase these gems,” said Celestian. “This exhibit highlights the splendor of Earth’s depths and showcases incredible artistic vision and craftsmanship. Brilliance gives us a remarkable opportunity to explore the geology, physics, and chemistry of these stones, while appreciating their stunning beauty.”
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and BetterLocated in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course UpdatesThe nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education FundBIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past DecadeAs a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal InvestigationMoti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s DayLichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in ZambiaThe miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry MomentsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New BoutiqueThe brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales ManagerCathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsThe company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and BeyondConnecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest AuctionIts commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.
AuctionsMay 06, 2025
Harwell Godfrey Reimagines 10-Carat Blue Diamond for Met Gala-Ready BroochDesigner Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2025
Here’s Who Made Jewelers of America’s New ‘20 Under 40’ ListExpanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Sissy's Log Cabin Opens New StoreLocated in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.
IndependentsMay 06, 2025
Gunderson’s Jewelers to Be Featured on ‘World’s Greatest’ TV SeriesThe episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.
IndependentsMay 05, 2025
Zadok Jewelers Opens Store in AustinThe Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.
AuctionsMay 05, 2025
Nancy Astor’s Cartier Tiara Heads to AuctionThe turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.
