Fascinating fountains. A $50 million Museum exhibit. Dancing to the music of Grammy-nominated singer Chris Isaak. These were just some of the highlights of GIA's 75th birthday celebration held at the Carlsbad campus on Aug. 27.

Guests were greeted by "living" fountains – statue-like women who wore Steinmetz diamond necklaces and mesmerized them with slow, graceful movements to opera music. Partygoers took in a once-in-a-lifetime jewelry exhibit (see "True Colors," page 18) as they made their way through GIA's spacious atrium to the Ocean Terrace.

A dramatic sunset over the Pacific Ocean illuminated the scene as guests enjoyed delicacies such as tuna tartare in savory cones, tamarind duck with blackberries and lobster risotto; specialty martinis, including the "Sparkling Hope Diamond," the "Pink Diamond" and the "Blue Sapphire"; and Viennese desserts served from classic jewelry display trays.

Isaak's bluesy rock sound got the crowd pumped up with his popular hits "Wicked Game," "San Francisco Days," "Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing" and "Only the Lonely," as he pulled fans onstage to dance with him.

Sponsored by Steinmetz, the evening was capped off with the lighting of GIA's massive birthday cake, which in turn sparked a dramatic fireworks display.