Collections

This collection comprises exceptional examples of gems and minerals from all significant global localities.

• Peridot
  130.60 ct faceted peridot from Pakistan, and 346 ct peridot crystal from the Red Sea island of Zabargad. The crystal was originally from the Herman Bank Collection.
• Oppenheimer Rough Diamonds
  Diamond crystals from the Sir Ernest Oppenheimer Student Collection. Gift of De Beers.
• Spinel
  Spinel crystals in marble and a single spinel crystal from Myanmar. Gift of William F. and Jeanne H. Larson.
• Carved Emerald
  125.86 ct carved emerald. Acquired as part of the Philadelphia Academy of Sciences Collection.
• Tourmaline
  Tourmaline crystal with lepidolite and a 13.26 ct faceted tourmaline.

Historical and contemporary jewelry depict classic workmanship and signature elements related to specific styles and periods.

• Tsavorite Necklace and Earrings
  Tsavorite and diamond pavé necklace and earrings set in blackened 18K gold. Gift of Dr. Gary R. and Barbara E. Hansen.
• Neptune's Birth
  Conch shell ring with cultured pearls, diamonds, platinum and gold. Gift of Bradley D. Weber.
• Elation Ring
  Features a 3 ct chrysoberyl and rubies in 22K gold. Gift of Joanna Seetoo Designs.
• Diamond Bracelets
  Diamond and platinum bracelets from the 1960s. Gift of Harriet B. Coccomo.

These objects of beauty, created from gemstones and metal, are not intended to be worn, but to excite the eye.

• Quetzál Bird
  “The Quetzál Bird,” created by Ziad Noshie. Gift of Almaza Jewelers (Houston, Texas).
• Intarsia Medvedev Boxes
  Intarsia boxes created by Nicolai Medvedev. Gift of Carol and Fred Seeman.
• Gemstone Symphony
  “Symphony in Gemstones.” Gift of Art Sexauer.

This sophisticated collection is dedicated to jewelry and objets d’art from earlier periods and cultures, and gemstones with known provenance from significant localities. Building this collection is the Museum’s current focus.

• Corsage Ornament
  Edwardian corsage ornament. Pink topaz, diamonds and platinum. Gift of Stephen and Eileen Silver, S.H. Silver Co.
• Sultan's Box
  Russian presentation case, circa 1850. Gift in honor of Betty H. Llewellyn.
• Victorian Snake Bracelet
  15K gold, circa 1875. Gift of Mona Lee Nesseth.

GIA and the American Jewelry Design Council (AJDC) collaborated on a special collection of contemporary designer jewelry gifted to the Institute. The AJDC Collection features 29 signature pieces, each representative of the donor’s personal design style.

• Signature Fit Amethyst Ring
  Amethyst, 18K yellow and white gold. Gift of Jean-François Albert.
• Cultured Pearl and Fancy Sapphire Bracelet
  Cultured pearls, sapphire rondels,18K green gold. Gift of Jane Bohan.
• Post Engagement Ring
  Eighternity™ diamond, platinum. Gift of Whitney Boin and KR Gems & Diamonds International.
• Crescent Moon Bracelet
  Diamonds, platinum, sterling silver. Gift of Michael Bondanza.
• Kazam Ring
  Tanzanite, diamonds, platinum.Gift of Chris Correia.

The spirit and soul of Brazil is highlighted in this collection, which debuted during the 2006 AGTA GemFair in Tucson. The collection features traditional and contemporary pieces donated by many of Brazil’s top designers and manufacturers.

• Constellation
  18K yellow gold and diamond ring. Gift of Amsterdam Sauer.
• Matiz Em Turmalina (Shades of Tourmaline.)
  18K white gold, diamonds, green and pink tourmaline earrings. Designed and donated by Cecilia J. Annuziata.
• Emptiness in a Circle
  18K yellow gold, Pau Brazil wood, rose quartz, and Imperial topaz pendant/brooch. Designed and donated by Maria Lúcia Barbosa.
• Tourmaline Ring
  18K yellow gold, pink tourmaline and diamonds. Designed and donated by Manoel Bernardes.
• Celebration
  18K yellow gold and citrine ring. Designed and donated by Antonio Bernardo.

Dr. Edward Gübelin’s lifelong study of gems and their inclusions revolutionized the science of gemology.  From his home in Lucerne, Switzerland, Gübelin traveled to gem localities on five continents to collect samples, which he documented meticulously. After his death in March 2005, GIA acquired the comprehensive collection. It consists of more than 2,000 gems, and also includes his extensive collection of slide literature reference files and early gemological instruments. The Gübelin Gem Collection is now part of the GIA Museum, where it is being used for research, education and display.

The Collection also serves as the foundation for the GIA Gem Database Project which aims to provide a publicly accessible, searchable database containing historical and technical information on each gem in the collection, including images, gemological data, and chemical, spectrometric and X-ray data.

• Dr. Gübelin in Africa
  Dr. Edward J. Gübelin rides on the plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania in 1997. ©Eric Van Valkenburg
• Gübelin Gemstones
  Gems from the collection of Dr. Edward J. Gübelin.