Skip to main content

The Smithsonian National Gem Collection Unearthed

This program is over. Hope you didn't miss it!

The Smithsonian National Gem Collection Unearthed

Surprising Stories Behind the Jewels

Evening Program on Zoom

Evening Lecture/Seminar

Tuesday, May 18, 2021 - 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. ET
Code: 1A0153
Location:
This program is part of our
Smithsonian Associates Streaming series.
Select your Registration
$20
Member
$25
Non-Member
Powered by Zoom

Of all the objects in the National Museum of Natural History, its magnificent gems perhaps best, and uniquely, provide an intersection of natural science, human history, culture, romance, and artistic skill and creativity—set against the allure of immense value and awesome beauty.

Jeffrey Post, curator of the U.S. National Gem and Mineral Collection at the Natural History Museum reveals the scandals, mysteries, and human stories behind the world’s most famous gems, including the Hope Diamond, Carmen Lucía Ruby, Hooker Emerald, and Blue Heart Diamond. He also provides fascinating facts surrounding rarely displayed gems from the Smithsonian vault and the additions made to the collection since 1997.

Curator of the collection since 1991, Post shows how these rare and beautiful jewels have come to encapsulate stories about the individuals—from ordinary people to kings, emperors, maharajas, celebrities, and captains of industry—who once owned or were associated with them, for better or worse. He also discusses the geological forces that went into their creation.  

Post’s book The Smithsonian National Gem Collection Unearthed: Surprising Stories Behind the Jewels (Smithsonian Books) is available for purchase.

Book Sale Information

Patron Information

  • If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.
  • Unless otherwise noted, registration for streaming programs typically closes two hours prior to the start time on the date of the program.
  • Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
  • Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
  • View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.

Inside Science