The Smithsonian Institution recently recognized jewelry designer Mark Schneider for contributing his Platinum Guild International award-winning tanzanite ring to the Gem and Mineral Gallery in Washington, D.C. Schneider is one of only a handful of living designers with pieces in the Smithsonian’s collection.

According to Schneider, the ring contains one of the finest trillion-cut tanzanite stones in the world, weighing 12.11 cts. It also features 1.89 cts. of round natural diamonds, accentuated by a flowing sweep of platinum.

A third-generation jeweler, Schneider earned his BA from California State University at Long Beach, where he studied art and jewelry design. He lives in Long Beach where he and his wife, Nancy, run the Schneider Design Studio.