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.”
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