Press Release

GIA Exhibit Brings to Life Iconic Gem Photographs

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Photo by Orasa Weldon; © GIA.
G&G Summer 2008: A selection of topaz jewelry and loose faceted stones from the GIA Collection including a Belle Époque platinum corsage ornament featuring a 3.80 carat pink topaz and diamonds (gift of Stephen and Eileen Silver, S.H. Silver Co); an 11.54 carat blue topaz and sapphire ring set in 18K gold (gift of Jacques Prades); and a 9.36 carat blue, 11.39 carat blue and 14.47 carat pink topaz (from the Dr. Edward J. Gübelin collection).

Award-winning journal, Gems & Gemology, celebrates 80 years of excellence

CARLSBAD, Calif. – April 8, 2014 – In an exhibit that captures the intrinsic beauty and rarity of gems, GIA (Gemological Institute of America) brings to life the jewelry, gems, minerals and sculptures featured in the award-winning scientific journal Gems & Gemology (G&G). “The Beauty of Science: Gems & Gemology Celebrates 80 Years, Featuring the Artistry of Harold and Erica Van Pelt,” which debuts on May 19 and runs through Dec. 2014 in Carlsbad, CA, offers visitors a unique opportunity to see stunning pieces of historic and gemological significance side-by-side with their iconic photos.
 
“The Van Pelts’ photos for G&G captured the synergy between the science and beauty of gems, and were truly instrumental in drawing readers into the journal. From 1981 to 2009, their work graced the covers of 93 issues, as well as many inside pages,” said Terri Ottaway, curator of the GIA Museum. “The beautiful gems and jewelry in this exhibit give context to the exquisite photos created by Harold and Erica Van Pelt.”
 
The exhibit features 15 cases and more than 20 pieces. Highlights include:
 
* G&G Summer 1981: The Maharaja of Indore necklace contains 15 fine Colombian emeralds recovered during the Spanish Conquest of the New World. The 374 diamonds were cut in India in the 17th Century. The necklace was bequeathed to the Smithsonian by Cora Hubbard Williams. Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution National Gem Collection.
 
* G&G Summer 2006: A Colombian emerald and diamond necklace with matching earrings designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. in the 1950s. The three largest emeralds range from 6.65 to 7.41 carats. Courtesy of a private collector.
 
* G&G Winter 1988: An intense rubellite ring (13.8 carats)  and necklace (18.5 carats) – both designed by Jeanne Larson – from the Tourmaline Queen Mine in San Diego County.
 
Gems & Gemology, GIA’s quarterly research journal, celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2014. Harold and Erica Van Pelt, pioneers of gem photography, played a major role in the evolution of the journal for more than 25 years with stunning photos that complemented the groundbreaking gemological research.
 
“In our work with G&G, we were able to photograph some of the finest, most valuable, and most unusual gems, minerals, and jewelry in the world. It was both a challenge and a privilege,” said Erica Van Pelt. “We are delighted to be part of this exhibit honoring G&G’s 80th anniversary.”
 
Pieces exhibited are on loan from various organizations and individuals, including the Smithsonian Institution, Harold and Erica Van Pelt, The Collector, Pala International, and private collectors. “The Beauty of Science: Gems & Gemology Celebrates 80 Years, Featuring the Artistry of Harold and Erica Van Pelt” will be on display from May 19 through Dec. 2014. For more details, visit GIA’s website or call 800-421-7250.

 

 

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.
 
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism.