Whiteflash-Diamond Playground

Sultan’s Box
This hand fabricated, rococo-style Russian box circa 1850 belonged to the last sultan of Turkey, Mehmed VI. 
The ornate gold case is enhanced with sapphires, diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, and fitted with a classic Russian hinge. 
Gift in memory of Betty H. Llewellyn. 
Photo: GIA and Tino Hammid

GIA Museum to Build “Historical Jewelry Collection” To Tour, Inspire and Educate

FROM: JCKonline CARLSBAD, CALIF. – May 1, 2008 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Museum is launching a significant new campaign to build the “GIA Historical Collection,” a comprehensive assemblage of jewelry, object d’arts and gemstones from all time periods and cultures world-wide. Elise Misiorowski, GIA Museum director said, “We intend to create a wide-ranging, world-class collection that captures the essence of each period in gem and jewelry history. People are always fascinated by historical pieces. It’s our goal to bring together a variety of significant treasures representing different episodes in history.”

“Jewelry is like a time capsule,” says Misiorowski “it can tell you about the economics, social structure, and technology of the culture it came from. Jewelry preserves this information in a very concentrated way. It’s like a Rosetta stone; if you know how to read it, you can interpret the socioeconomic climate of the period.” “Gems also have their own individual story to tell. Their sources, significant owners, and other details give them their own personality and place in history.” Misiorowski also feels it is important to preserve the story of contemporary pieces – as the gems and jewelry of today become the antiques of tomorrow. The GIA Museum currently has some prized pieces, such as a late 18th century diamond floral brooch and a corsage ornament featuring a pink topaz and diamonds from about 1905. The Institute hopes to not only increase the number of pieces in its Collection, but acquire examples from many different eras as well. The Institute anticipates this Collection will quickly become an important addition to the Museum because donors, visitors and students alike will benefit from sharing the stories of these intriguing pieces.

The GIA Museum plans to use the Historical Collection for display in other venues on a regular basis, accompanied by lecturers and experts, and pieces from the collection will be showcased further via podcasts and other educational vehicles. Misiorowski said “We hope the GIA Historical Collection will grow to inspire, educate and excite viewers today and for generations to come.”

In addition, the GIA Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center will archive any accompanying documents for donated pieces that detail the item’s background and provenance in its Cartier Rare Book Repository and Archives.

For more information on the GIA Historical Collection contact Kimberly Vagner, GIA project manager of In-Kind Donations at 760-603-4150 or Kimberly.vagner@gia.edu.

About GIA:

An independent nonprofit organization, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. Established in 1931, GIA has translated its expert knowledge into the most respected gemological education available. Early in the 1950s, GIA invented the famous Four Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight. In 1953, the Institute created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. GIA can be found on the web at www.gia.edu. Media queries contact: Laura Simanton 760-603-4112 or Jessica Sachariason, 760-603-4197.

Floral Brooch
Late 18th century floral brooch 
in diamonds and silver. Gift of 
Del and Bob Noland

Belle Epoque Corsage Ornament circa 1905 
featuring a 39.80 ct. pink topaz with diamonds 
in platinum. Gift of Stephen and Eileen Silver, 
S.H. Silver Co. 
Photo: GIA and Harold and Erica Van Pelt.