Grainger Hall of Gems Exhibition Photo Gallery

The Legacy Continues…
The collaborative efforts of The Field Museum, The Grainger Foundation, and countless others have resulted in a gem collection that has grown to become a national treasure in its own right. And as time goes on, it will undoubtedly grow and change again, a living tribute to the generosity inspired by the beauty and love of gems.

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Natural Ruby Crystals (on white marble matrix) Luc Yen, Yen Bai Province, Vietnam

A ruby crystal on white marble from the Yen Bai Province in Vietnam.

“Sun God” Opal Brooch Opal and gold

This opal brooch has been in the Museum’s collection since it was displayed at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. It is believed that the opal was mined in Mexico more than 500 years ago.

Ruby and Diamond Necklace Ruby, diamonds, and platinum

This glittering necklace showcases 13 rubies, totaling 90 carats and hundreds of sparkling round and accent diamonds, set in platinum.

Natural Heliodor Crystals (on feldspar matrix) Zelatoya Vada Mine, near Rankul, Tajikistan

Heliodor, emerald, aquamarine, and morganite all belong to the same species—beryl. In the new Grainger Hall of Gems, the visitor will be able to see examples of each gemstone in matrix.

Natural Emerald Crystal (on mica matrix) Laghman Province, Afghanistan

This image shows emerald still embedded in the mica in which it formed. Fine inclusions, cracks, and fissures do not diminish the value of an emerald. In fact, specialists refer to themas the jardin (“garden” in French).

Natural Form Coral Necklace

Though not an “official” gemstone, coral is considered an organic gem and has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. This gorgeous necklace is actually the remains of
living coral.

Emerald Necklace Emeralds, 14 k yellow gold, diamonds

This emerald necklace, set in 14K yellow gold, features 18 emeralds, totally 25 carats. The emeralds are set off by the 238 brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling 14.75 carats.

Tanzanite Necklace, detail Tanzanite, diamonds, 18k white gold

Though it’s one thousand times rarer than diamond, visitors to the Grainger Hall of Gems will be able to see multiple specimens of tanzanite, including this beautiful tanzanite
necklace, surrounded by sparkling diamonds and set in white gold.

Heliodor Gemstone 8.3 carats, Zelatoya Vada Mine, near Rankul, Tajikistan

This 8.3-carat heliodor gem is one of several newly set gems from famed jewelry designers.

Natural indicolite tourmaline Crystals (on albite and quartz matrix) Pederneira Mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Unlike many gemstones, tourmaline comes in nearly every color, including black. This specimen comes from Minas Gerais, Brazil—the same area in which the Museum’s famous Chalmer’s Topaz was discovered.

Natural tanzanite Crystal Tanzania

Tanzanite was first discovered in 1967 and is one thousand times rarer than diamond. The gemstone is only found in Tanzania and Kenya.

Natural Blue topaz Crystals Alabashka, Ural Mountians, Russia

Some varieties, such as the blue topaz shown in this photo, and colorless topaz, are readily available and comparatively inexpensive, while shades of red are rare and quite valuable.

Golden topaz Gemstone 16.6 carats, Ouro Preto, Brazil

One of many gems on display from the 1893 World’s Columbian exposition is this 16.6-carat golden topaz.

Ruby Topaz Gemstone 97.5 carats, Brazil

Ruby topaz is the rarest of the topaz family, and this 97.5-carat specimen is one of the world’s largest.

Aquamarine Gemstone 29.7 carats, location unknown

According to lore, sailors would carry aquamarine on their voyages, because it was believed that the stone came from the treasure chests of mermaids and would ensure a safe journey.

Alexandrite Gemstone (Green, under daylight) 11.65 carats, Kandy Sri lanka

This stone, a rare color changing variety of chrysoberyl called alexandrite, was exhibited at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

Alexandrite Gemstone (Pink, under incandescent light) 11.65 carats, Kandy Sri lanka

This stone, a rare color changing variety of chrysoberyl called alexandrite, was exhibited at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

Natural Diamond (on bort matrix) Kimberly, South Africa

The Grainger Hall of Gems shows visitors gems and gemstones in three phases: gemstones in their natural state, cut and polished gems, and finished pieces of jewelry. This diamond on its matrix was first displayed at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

Diamond and Platinum Necklace, detail Circa 1914

Visitors to the Grainger Hall of Gems can marvel at this beautiful diamond and platinum necklace, circa 1914.

Diamond Stick Pin, detail engraved with a portrait of King William III of Holland.

This diamond pin, carved in the late 19th century, shows an intricate portrait of King Willem III of the netherlands. The pin took five years to create, using delicate diamond-tipped tools.