AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
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 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
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.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
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.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
