Visiting Natural History Meseum - gem collection

[BWise]

Being a colorstone lover, I love the location advantage of living close to the capital, where THE gem collection resides in the Natural History Museum. For the few times I managed to go there, I have always had to stand in lines to view those gem stones. I feel need to spend at least 20 minutes in front of each! I am no big fan of the famed Hope Diamond, but there are so much more to admire. The funny thing was, I could not help but to remind myself, all those wonderful stones, with their extreme beauty, are REAL - a little hard to believe when they are all in the same room.

Many of us gem lovers, myself included, have tried to squeeze money in exchange of ownership (temporary) for something so pretty and precious. However, I often realize how long it took mother nature to create those gems, and how long they will continue to bear the history they have witnessed after we are long gone. Who will be the owner of my little collection in 100 years from now on? Of your beloved stones and jewlery? There is no doubt that extrodinary pieces, such as this 23.1ct ruby, truly belongs to a museum for everyone to admire.

link

Since there has been this discussion on color diamonds, I believe many of you may like to see this online exhibit: The Diamonds

 

[MINE!!]

It is mond boggling isn''t it? To imagine that something that you are wearing has been in the earth for millions of years... knowing that this one piece is being created especially for you. Really cool actually!

I love the gem collection at the NHM. DH was even really interested in it. I personally liked the displays of the floresence. I didn''t spent enough time there though... would have loved to have taken a good additional hour of two there.

(and taken some home too...