EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
SourcingNov 29, 2016
A ‘Rare’ Glimpse of Brilliance Coming to LA
L.J. West Diamonds is partnering with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County on an exhibition of natural colored diamonds called “Diamonds: Rare Brilliance.”
The 1.64-carat Victorian Orchid Vivid Purple Diamond is one of the gems that will be on display for “Diamonds: Rare Brilliance,” an exhibition of natural colored diamonds that is slated to open next month at Los Angeles’ Natural History Museum.
Los Angeles--A brilliant display of natural colored diamonds will be on view at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles beginning next month.
Called “Diamonds: Rare Brilliance,” the exhibition is comprised of stones from the collection of New York-based L.J. West Diamonds, a company that’s been in the colored diamond business for nearly 40 years.
It is comprised of:
The Juliet Pink Diamond, an oval-shaped 30.03-carat fancy intense pink of VVS2 clarity that was cut from an estimated 90-carat rough from South Africa;
The Argyle Violet, the 2.83-carat oval shaped-diamond that is the biggest violet diamond to ever come out of Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine in Australia;
The Rainbow Necklace, which features more than 100 rare diamonds of all colors and weighs nearly 36 carats; and
The Victorian Orchid Vivid Purple Diamond, a 1.64-carat fancy vivid purple diamond of SI2 clarity (bought in partnership with and cut and polished by Rio Diamond Corp.).
Diamonds: Rare Brilliance begins Dec. 16 and runs through March 19, 2017.
The 2.83-carat Argyle Violet is the biggest violet diamond ever found at the Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia. It is color graded as a fancy deep grayish-blue and was cut from a 9.17-carat piece of rough.
The 30.03-carat Juliet Pink Diamond is a fancy intense, VVS2 stone that’s been cut into an oval shape. It is a set into a necklace with 98.70 carats of marquise, pear and round-cut white diamonds that are E to F in color and VVS clarity.
The color of the cushion-cut Victorian Orchid Vivid Purple Diamond is extremely rare, L.J. West Diamonds said. It is a fancy vivid purple diamond of SI2 clarity and will appear in the exhibition set in a flower designer platinum ring setting.
In an interview earlier this month about his company’s purchase of the Argyle Violet, L.J. West Diamonds President Larry West said of the exhibition, “Nobody’s ever seen stones like this, and I think it’s important for them to be out there in the public domain. It makes it more real for people; it’s not just a story.”
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more details on visiting, go to NHM.org.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
CrimeDec 22, 2025
Customs Seizes Hundreds of Fake Rolex, Cartier WatchesIn the recent multi-shipment seizure, CBP also found counterfeit Audemars Piguet, Moncler, and Chrome Hearts items.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
MadaLuxe Group Acquires Ippolita The luxury goods company said founder Ippolita Rostagno will remain at the brand’s helm.
MajorsDec 19, 2025
LVMH Names New Bulgari CEOLaura Burdese, who joined the Italian luxury brand in 2022, will take on the role in July.
EditorsDec 19, 2025
2025 Jewelry Superlatives: A Yearbook-Style Year in Review The National Jeweler editors revisit the most noteworthy industry happenings and design trends from 2025.
AuctionsDec 19, 2025
Jean Schlumberger’s ‘African Cat’ Is Purr-Fection Need a gift for the cat lover who has everything? Look no further than our latest Piece of the Week.
AuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at AuctionIt purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Lab-GrownDec 18, 2025
Kira Jewels Debuts Custom Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry ServiceThe lab-grown diamond grower now offers custom engagement and fashion jewelry through its Kira Custom Lab Jewelry service.
EditorsDec 18, 2025
Terry Chandler Looks Back on 40 Years of Opportunity, Change, and FriendsChandler got his start at Michelson Jewelers and has served as DCA president and CEO since 2001. He will retire at the end of the month.
