Curatorial Assistant McKenzie Santimer (left) and
Museum Curator Terri Ottaway arrange the gem,
jewelry and mineral specimens in the new cases. 

 

 

This collection of cut sapphires is from the
Rock Creek deposit near Philipsburg, Montana,
which was first discovered in the late 1890s.
Courtesy of Bob Kane, Fine Gems International.

Venetian glass beads are formed by melting brightly
colored glass canes. The molten glass balls are then
rolled over 24k gold foil followed with more melted
glass to encase their rich, glowing beauty. Gift of
Michael Anthony Jewelers, Inc. 

Argentina is a source of massive
rhodochrosite, such as this slice from
a stalactite. Gift of William Larson.

Rare adamite specimens from Ojuela,
Mexico, are highly sought by mineral
enthusiasts for their beauty, but their
crystals are too soft to be used in
jewelry. Gift of William Larson.