Sourcing

Natural History Museum Postpones Gem Hall Opening

SourcingDec 10, 2020

Natural History Museum Postpones Gem Hall Opening

New York’s American Museum of Natural History is pushing the opening of its redesigned gem gallery to spring 2021.

20201103_AMNH-Header.jpg
The American Museum of Natural History in New York is delaying the opening of its renovated gem halls until at least spring 2021. The museum as a whole remains open, though only at 25 percent capacity.
New York—The newly renovated gem halls at the American Museum of Natural History in New York won’t open until at least spring 2021, the museum announced this week.

The 11,000-square-foot halls have been under renovation since October 2017, and a grand reopening date for the new space—the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, named after two longtime museum supporters and volunteers—was set for Feb. 17.

Late Tuesday, the museum announced it was delaying the grand reopening, stating its decision “balances enthusiasm for opening the halls with the need for caution over the next few months as the museum—and all New Yorkers—monitor the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The 11,000-square-foot halls will feature about 5,000 specimens from 95 countries and, for the first time, a temporary exhibition space.

The Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery will open with “Beautiful Creatures,” a display of animal-inspired jewelry from both classic and contemporary designers curated by jewelry historian and author Marion Fasel of The Adventurine.

RELATED CONTENT: A New Book Explores Animals Depicted in Jewelry

Fasel’s book accompanying the exhibition, “Beautiful Creatures,” is out now.

An exact date for the opening of the gem halls will be announced after the new year.

The museum overall is still open, with various health and safety protocols in place, including a 25 percent capacity limit.

Its decision to push back the opening of its gem halls is the latest in a line of events already being called off or rescheduled for early next year as the fight against the virus continues worldwide.

There will be no jewelry industry events in New York City in January, and several of the major gem shows normally held in Tucson in February, including AGTA GemFair and GJX, have been canceled.

The March Hong Kong shows are moving to July.

Watches & Wonders Geneva, originally slated for April, announced last month the 2021 show will be an online-only event and CBG will hold its second virtual event this January, while the American Gem Society is pushing Conclave from April to the fall, with exact dates and location still to be determined.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

The Nordstrom Men’s Store in New York City
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Nordstrom Family, Partner to Take Retailer Private in $6B Deal

Members of the founding family have partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to acquire Nordstrom.

Boucheron Las Vegas Storefront
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Boucheron Bets on Las Vegas

The brand has opened its second U.S. location in the Fontainebleau resort and casino.

B & B Fine Gems gemstone suite
EditorsDec 24, 2024
The Spectrum Jewels I Want to Find Under the Tree

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore highlights pieces from the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards she’d be thrilled to unwrap on Christmas.

ride_or_die_1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday Campaign

A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’

Tyrese Maxey The 1916 Company campaign
IndependentsDec 23, 2024
Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey Stars in The 1916 Company’s New Campaign

The retailer’s “On the Clock” campaign celebrates how time, precision, and purpose come together.

Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jewelry by Sorellina, Francesca Villa, Cece Jewellery, Retrouvai, Ray Griffiths, Cartier, Cocoerow Fine Jewelry, and Gumuchian
EditorsDec 23, 2024
My Favorite Piece of the Week Jewels of 2024

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco chose her 12 favorite Piece of the Week picks from the year gone by.

GIA emerald report
GradingDec 23, 2024
GIA Adds Filler Identification to Emerald Reports

Lab clients have the option to request this addition on their emerald reports.

me_myself_and_I_1872x1052 .jpg
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds

‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.

Ella Klein Interns Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein Internship

Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.

Retrouvai Green Sapphire and Diamond Heirloom Bezel Ring for Charity
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for Charity

In the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

DeVries Jewelers
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the Holidays

Co-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.

State Property Gardens Collection Campaign
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into Jewelry

Along with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.

Two people in a rowboat
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat Escape

The man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.

Rough rubies
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at Source

The average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.

alexandrite ring
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’s

The nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.

Tiffany & Co. pocket watch gifted to captain of the Carpathia
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co.

More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.

Picchiotti Spotlight Campaign Video Still
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video Campaign

The videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.

Steve Feldman
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to Retire

Feldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.

Chanel Quilted Stars Necklace
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence

The luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.

Frank Circelli
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75

Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.

Blue diamond ring
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’s

The nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.

Stock image of a gavel, handcuffs, and books
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison

The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.

Cover of the new book “The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance”
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings

“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.

Rolex store on Rodeo Drive
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo Drive

Gearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.

GCAL 8X pear and marquise-cut diamonds
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes

The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.

Claudia Cividino, Sissy’s Log Cabin, Shri Govind Dholakia, Tanishq
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award Recipients

DDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.

Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Engagement Ring
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring

Estimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy