Marilyn Monroe popularized a certain highly-prized gem when she sang “Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend.” And, there’s that old saying, “diamonds are forever.” For centuries, these stones have inspired extravagant myths and unyielding desires in diverse cultures throughout the world. Visitors will have a chance to marvel at these minerals with The Nature of Diamonds opens at the Houston Museum of Natural Science May 8. Tickets are now on sale for the exhibit.
The Nature of Diamonds explores humanity’s fascination with diamonds and provides an in-depth look at diamonds as a natural substance—from its geological origins, place in history, art, adornment, and literature, to its numerous uses in modern technology and research.
“Understanding the nature of diamonds and appreciating the science behind what makes these dazzling crystals sparkle, makes this precious gem even more magnificent to behold,” said Joel A. Bartsch, president of the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
The special exhibition features dozens of gems and jewels on loan from public and private collections all over the world. Highlights of the show include a layered gold mesh necklace sprinkled with rough diamonds and cultured keshi pearls - created by noted architect Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Company; an 1855 corsage ornament studded with more than 2,000 diamonds, owned by Princess Mathilde, the niece of Napoleon Bonaparte; a Cartier flapper headband from the 1920s; the Elton John Cartier shoulder brooch; and the giant Aurora Butterfly of Peace, an artistic arrangement of 240 naturally colored diamonds, on loan from Aurora Gems, New York. Also on view are spectacular single diamonds such as the Old Stone from the Diamond Trading Center and the Arkansas Diamond from Tiffany & Co., alongside a diverse array of other exhibits, all illuminating the many roles and qualities of diamonds.
The Nature of Diamonds is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York, in collaboration with the Houston Museum of Natural Science; the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto; and The Field Museum, Chicago.
Tickets are $22 for adults; $18 for children (3 – 11), seniors (62+), and college students with a valid ID; $10 Museum members; $6 school groups; and $12 for groups of 20 or more. Tickets may be purchased online. For tickets, or more information, visit www.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629.
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