GIA Collection Grows with Donations from Around the Globe

Signature, Historical and International collections receive significant additions

By Tara J. McKenna   

The GIA Collection has received a number of new additions over the last few months thanks to several designers and philanthropists who have donated various pieces of jewelry to the Institute.

“We are so happy to have such a positive response from the industry to build the GIA Collections,” said Patricia Syvrud, G.G., manager of In-Kind Gifts for GIA. “It is through the generous support of donors like these that GIA will be able to create fantastic displays that will be used to inspire our students and the public for years to come.”

The donations are listed by the GIA Collection category they represent.

Signature Collection
The pieces donated represent the signature style of the donors. “The success of this campaign demonstrates the high regard these designers have for the collection and shows that they recognize the value of GIA archiving their work and showcasing it to the world,” Syvrud said.

Katey Brunini – A sterling silver and baroque South Sea cultured pearl cuff bracelet from her Twig Collection and a coral sculpture she calls “Tree of Life.”

Tamara Comolli – Her first design, a gold bangle bracelet with 1.2-carats of sliding, star-cut diamonds from her Curriculum Vitae Collection.

Paula Crevoshay – “Sandia Sunset,” an 18-karat gold piece built around a 6.18-carat opal that can be worn as a brooch, pendant or clasp for necklaces and bracelets.

Marianne Hunter – “Silks Shimmer in the Starlight,” a necklace of grisaille enamels, chalcedony, baroque cultured pearl and boulder opal.

Q.E.D. Creations – An 18-karat gold ring set with two citrine center stones, surrounded by 178 yellow sapphires.

Stephen Webster – A ring from his Crystal Haze Collection that features a faceted doublet of black goldstone and quartz.
 
“The ‘Sandia Sunset’ is a very special jewel and is a favorite of mine,” said Crevoshay. “I’m delighted to make this donation to GIA for the public to drink in its beauty and to help in recording and building a legacy for future generations to see and learn from. It’s especially an honor to be able to participate in GIA’s important mission.”

Historical Collection
Mona Lee Nesseth – Several items, including an onyx and enamel fringe necklace, a gold and diamond coral brooch, a lady’s French enamel watch, a gentleman’s gemstone cufflinks and a three strand necklace of banded agate beads.

“I love the history and the mystique of estate and antique jewelry and I wanted to share that with everyone,” Nesseth said. “I think building a collection at GIA is very important and I try to support them in every way I can, because going to GIA and getting my G.G. was what enabled me to find my passion.”

International Collection
Pranda Jewelry – A suite of blue topaz, iolite and diamond jewelry set in green gold from designer Pairoj Punyariht’s Royal Garden Collection. 

Ruth Grieco – An 18-karat gold necklace and cross pendant made from tourmaline crystals, cultured pearls, peridots and diamonds.

Seculus – A Tucumá seed necklace accented with 18-karat gold and diamonds and designed by Brazilian artist Carla Abras.

“Being born in Brazil, from our first breath, the shapes and colors of our exuberant nature reach our soul,” Grieco said. “We are free to create our fantasies and we have the nature that guides us to travel beyond reality.”