New Exhibit in LA to Showcase Many of the World’s Rarest Diamonds
“Brilliance: The Art and Science of Rare Jewels” features more than 100 pieces of jewelry and opens at Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County on Dec. 8.
How does a natural diamond go from being uncovered from the Earth to being mounted atop an engagement ring? A new exhibit at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County will answer that very question when Brilliance: The Art and Science of Rare Jewels opens to the public on December 8.
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Brilliance: The Art and Science of Rare Jewels will give visitors a firsthand look at more than 100 pieces of jewelry, all displayed alongside associated gems and minerals from the museum’s permanent collection. Step inside the museum’s Gem Vault and view stunning necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and unmounted gems, all largely the work of jewelry designer Robert Procop.
Jewelry featured in the exhibit include a 42.72 carat pink diamond ring dubbed The Pink Starburst, which is also the second largest pink diamond in the world; the Celeste Diamond, a 46.39 carat fancy blue diamond; the 61.72 carat Kasu Star, one of the largest round, brilliant cut yellow diamonds in the world; and the Northern Light Diamond, which is the largest green diamond in the world at 71.19 carats. Jewelry collaborations between Procop and stars like Angelina Jolie and Brooke Shields will also be on view.
“We are thrilled to have the chance to showcase these gems,” said Dr. Aaron Celestian, the museum’s curator of mineral sciences. “This exhibit highlights the splendor of Earth’s depths and showcases incredible artistic vision and craftsmanship. Brilliance gives us a remarkable opportunity to explore the geology, physics and chemistry of these stones, while appreciating their stunning beauty.”
Rahaminov Diamonds, the third-generation family-owned jewelry business behind Kristin Chenoweth’s new engagement ring, is among the other fine jewelers featured in the exhibit. The featured Rahaminov piece is a stunning 50.55 carat fancy-cut intense yellow diamond and platinum cushion ring.
But the exhibit isn’t just fancy colored diamonds and one-of-a-kind jewelry; it also explores how natural gems and minerals are also used for scientific research and advancement—including their place in the fields of medicine, geology, physics and chemistry. Ultimately, visitors receive the scoop on how scientists use these exceptional stones to learn about Earth processes, and in turn, gain a better understanding of how our planet works.
Brilliance: The Art and Science of Rare Jewels is on view from December 8, 2021 to February 21, 2022.
