The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will tell the unique story of organic gems in a museum exhibition at its Carlsbad, Calif., world headquarters. “All-Natural, Organically Grown Gems from Plants and Animals” debuted in mid-July and will be on display through April 2004. The exhibit, presented in the Institute’s S. Tasaki Graduation and Student Lecture Hall, features a rare mastodon tusk carbon-dated at around 30,000 years old, amber, coral, ivory, tagua nuts (a variety of vegetable ivory), natural and cultured pearls, jet, shell, and tortoise shell.

“The Magical World of Ilya Schar,” a unique collection of creations that resemble paintings but are composed solely of gem material, also will be on display. Group tours can be scheduled by contacting Yvette Wilson at (800) 421-7250, ext. 4116, or e-mail: ywilson@gia.edu.