Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
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.
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.
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.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Brilliant Earth Names Tennis Star Madison Keys as Its New AmbassadorThe 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry HallThe West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From YepremThe brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry NetworkWorking with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
