Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Office of Public Affairs
News
Feb. 2, 2005
Media only: Michele Urie (202) 633-2950 Randall Kremer (202) 633-2950 Public only: (202) 633-1000
Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry Sparkles at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History
New gemstone jewelry is adding even more sparkle to the National Gem Collection at the National Museum of Natural History. A dazzling tanzanite and diamond brooch is now on exhibit and will remain so indefinitely. The exquisitely colored floral-designed platinum brooch, which is highlighted by a matched pair of triangular-cut tanzanites, was a gift to the museum in 2002 by Donald E. and Jo Anne Petersen. The brooch was designed for Mrs. Petersen by Harry Winston Inc. in 1991 and is featured in the book, “Harry Winston: Ultimate Jeweler,” fourth edition, 1993. The intense dark-violet tanzanites weigh more than 15 carats each. There are nearly 24 carats of diamonds in the piece. This beautiful and versatile piece has detachable tanzanite and diamond “flowers” which can be worn as earrings. Another major piece of gem art to go on exhibit is the Aurora Butterfly of Peace. Consisting of 240 loose diamonds, it is one of the most comprehensive collections of naturalcolored diamonds ever exhibited in one suite. Assembled by Alan Bronstein and Harry Rodman of Aurora Gems Inc. over the past 12 years, it is without parallel in presenting the complete color palette of natural diamonds. The display allows the visitor to compare the natural hues of the diamonds under white light with their vivid fluorescent colors excited by ultraviolet light. The Aurora Butterfly of Peace is on exhibit through March 23. The Smithsonian’s National Gem and Mineral Collection is one of the greatest collections of its kind in the world. More than 375,000 individual specimens include such famous pieces as the Hope Diamond and the Star of Asia Sapphire, as well as a research and mineral collection used by scientists around the world.
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SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION MRC 135 PO Box 37012
Washington DC 20013-7012 Telephone 202.633.2950 Fax 202.786.2982
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