Gifts to the permanent collection of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) are the highlight of a new museum exhibit, “From the Vault: Gifts to Our Collection.” The exhibit opened May 5 at GIA’s world headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif. Donations such as diamonds, natural and synthetic gemstones, gem minerals, pearls, jewelry, gem carvings, art objects, books, renderings, and antique diamond-cutting equipment will be showcased in the Institute’s Mikimoto Rotunda through the end of October 2003.

The display will include an array of Ramaura rubies—flux-grown synthetic gems—in both crystals and cut stones, as well as synthetic alexandrite gems, both donated by Judith Osmer, CEO of J.O. Crystal Inc. In addition, an extensive collection of rare abalone pearls and shells given to GIA by K.C. Bell will be presented in the exhibition.

Other highlights include: two intarsia boxes of inlaid gem materials created by artist Nicolai Medvedev and donated by Fred and Carol Seeman; a 21.47-ct. aquamarine and diamond ring set in gold over platinum, donated by Dr. Keith Wurtz; crystals and cut gems of tashmarine, a newly discovered bright-green variety of diopside, donated by Bart Curren and Eric Braunwart of Columbia Gem House Inc.; and an RT Link bracelet designed by GIA graduate C.Y. Sheng in honor of Richard T. Liddicoat (“RTL”), GIA’s former chairman and “The Father of Modern Gemology.” Also on view will be specimens of diamond, sapphire, tourmaline, ruby, aquamarine, morganite, spodumene, topaz, citrine, amethyst, ammolite, tanzanite, natural pearls, quartz, red beryl, Oregon sunstones, and animals carved from Maine tourmaline.

The Museum Galleries are open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tours for small groups can be scheduled through Yvette Wilson, guest services supervisor, at (800) 421-7250, ext. 4116.