GIA Museum Exhibit "Celebrating Excellence"

An exhibit called “Celebrating Excellence in Gems and Jewelry” is on display at the GIA Museum in Carlsbad CA now through November, 2006.

“Celebrating Excellence” showcases some of the world’s finest and most unique gems and jewelry. Highlights include a Kokoshink tiara on loan from Cartier, a fancy-colored diamond floral brooch by Bulgari, on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, a ruby and diamond necklace owned by famed soprano Maria Callas on loan from Kathryn Bonanno-Patrizzi, and the Hooker emerald brooch and Bismarck sapphire necklace, both on loan from the Smithsonian Institution. GIA’s Gübelin Collection of gems is also on display. Steinmetz contributed the 108ct, D-Flawless emerald-cut diamond (pictured above - GIA Photo), as well as a diamond-studded steering wheel the company debuted at this year's Monaco Grand Prix.

According to GIA Museum Director Elise Misiorowske, each jewelry piece in the collection is exceptional, whether through historical significance, unique origin, outstanding design or other feature. Private collectors, museums and design houses around the world contributed to make the exhibit possible.