“Yellow Orchid,” an extraordinary diamond and yellow sapphire brooch, has been donated to the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) American Jewelry Design Council Collection. The designer piece, created in 18k gold and platinum by Mark Patterson from the “Intensity” line, features 36 diamonds totaling .57 carats and 184 fancy yellow sapphires weighing 12.03 carats. Patterson and his wife Josette are former GIA instructors, he in gemology and she in jewelry design. They have been designing and creating fine jewelry since the early 1980s.

The donation marks the first signature piece created for the joint endeavor between GIA and the American Jewelry Design Council (AJDC) to establish a special collection of contemporary designer jewelry for display. Each piece best represents the AJDC member’s personal style. “The collection will help the public become educated on the intricacies of American jewelry design,” said Jose Hess, the campaign’s honorary chairperson. For information on making a contribution to GIA’s Signature Collection, or any of GIA’s museum collections, contact Patricia Syvrud at (800) 421-7250, ext. 4432.