Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
TrendsFeb 28, 2019
Wilensky Gallery to Host Fossil Art Exhibition
Starting in May, the New York gallery will display and sell several rare fossils from a prehistoric lake in Wyoming.
This is the Green River Stone Crocodile, a fossil of the Borealosuchus wilsoni crocodile from the Eocene period and one of the highlights of Wilensky Gallery’s upcoming exhibition. (Image courtesy of Wilensky Gallery and Green River Stone Company)
New York—This summer, one New York gallery will display and sell several rare fossils from a prehistoric lake in southwestern Wyoming.
During the early Eocene Epoch, some 50 million years ago, drainage from the newly created Rocky Mountains pooled in a basin in Southwestern Wyoming to form what geologists call Fossil Lake, a sub-tropical freshwater lake home to several plant and animal species.
The lake, now part of the Green River Formation, dried up millions of years ago and petrified, leaving a quarry of fossils telling the story of what life there used to be like.
The fossils are being removed by the Green River Stone Company, a leading expert in fossil preparation and preservation. This summer, approximately 25 will be on display in New York.
“Ancient Treasures: Fossils from The Eocene” will run at the Wilensky Gallery from May 9 to Aug. 3, highlighting important pieces from the Eocene Epoch’s natural creations in Wyoming.
The exhibition will include two rare and historic turtle fossils, one of which is from the hard-shell Baenidae family of cryptodiran turtles, which first appeared during the Jurassic period and became extinct during the Eocene.
The fossil is of Arenosa, the rarer of the two Baenidae species, and is one of only a handful of complete adult fossils found before.
Additionally, the gallery also will have the giant fossil soft-shell turtle Axestemys byssinus on display.
Less than 25 complete fossils of that turtle type have ever been found; this particular specimen is 95 percent complete.
Another notable piece is the Green River Crocodile. The Borealosuchus wilsoni crocodile measures 13 feet 5 inches long and is wall mounted to support its 1,000-pound weight.
The crocodile is articulated, which is rare for a large-bodied creature, and includes multiple sets of large and small teeth, perfectly arranged dorsal scutes, a protruding spine and partially exposed ribs.
“We are very excited to be the exclusive New York City gallery to display the very finest examples of the famous Green River Wyoming fossils,” said Stuart Wilensky, president of Wilensky Fine Minerals.
“The pieces that will be on display are our only view into life from Earth's past. Surrounded by these ancient extinct creatures is the closest we will ever get as humans to time travel. Staring into the face of a 50 million-year-old crocodile, or a giant turtle larger than most humans, is surreal.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Every fossil on display will be available for purchase, offering a unique opportunity for collectors. Prices range from $5,000 to $1 million.
“Ancient Treasures: Fossils from The Eocene” runs from May 9 to Aug. 3, Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Wilensky Gallery (173 10th Avenue). The gallery will hold an opening event on Thursday, May 9 from 6 to 8 p.m.
For more information, contact the gallery at 646-822-0837, info@wilenskyminerals.com or visit WilenskyMinerals.com.
More on Trends
The Latest
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New PresidentAlex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat RubyThe ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft RecoveredThe two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More JewelryThe time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic DesignFrom striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid TurnaroundThe jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair ServicesThe auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in MontanaThe event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2025
JCK Rocks to Feature Snoop Dogg, Jason DeruloThe rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.
