The Field Museum Presents “The Nature of Diamonds,” a Dazzling Look at the World’s Most Beloved and Powerful Gem Beginning Oct. 23
The Field Museum’s newest exhibition, The Nature of Diamonds explores all aspects of this extraordinary mineral, from its geological origins to its place in history, art, and adornment, to its uses in modern technology and research.
Glamorous. Dazzling. Ancient. Born from billions of years of crushing geological force, diamond is a truly remarkable mineral. Its beauty has been prized by many cultures throughout the ages as a symbol of strength, wealth, and love.
The exhibition showcases the dual nature of diamonds, at once glittering and tough, decorative and utilitarian.
Featured are nearly 800 exquisite objects, including some of the world’s most stunning gems such as the 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond – worn by actress Audrey Hepburn in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s – one of the world’s largest and finest fancy yellow diamonds (right).
Along with this rare opportunity to see some of the world’s most precious gems, The Nature of Diamonds also provides an in-depth examination of earth science and diamond as a natural substance.
The Nature of Diamonds commands a 7,000-square-foot exhibition space on the Museum’s main level. The Field Museum opens the exhibition at the same time it opens its renovated Grainger Hall of Gems (a permanent exhibition on the mezzanine level). The two exhibitions complement each other, giving visitors a comprehensive and unprecedented look at the natural history of gems and gemstones, and examples of remarkable jewelry.
The Nature of Diamonds is made possible by the generous support of The Grainger Foundation of Lake Forest. “Even beyond viewing the incredibly beautiful gemstones on display, this extraordinary exhibition will deliver an unprecedented look at diamond,” said David Grainger, president of The Grainger Foundation. “We are most pleased to partner with The Field Museum to bring this exciting exhibition to Chicago.”
The Vault: Exhibition Centerpiece
The centerpiece of The Nature of Diamonds is The Vault where visitors will discover some of the exhibition’s most valuable pieces including many that have rarely been displayed.
Highlighted here is the world famous Incomparable Diamond – at 407.48 carats, it’s the largest flawless diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America and the third-largest cut diamond ever recorded.
Also featured are pieces from the collections of Princess Grace, Mae West, Catherine the Great, Joan Crawford, Elton John, and many more. Visitors will be thrilled by innovative designs such as architect Frank Gehry’s Diamonds in the Rough necklace and the graceful Question Mark necklace by Boucheron (right).
More Than Precious Jewelry
But the exhibition does not focus simply on jewelry; it is also a fascinating look at geologic processes, the cultural role of diamond through the ages, and how it is used in today’s cutting-edge technology.
Visitors will learn about the crystal structure of diamond, where diamond comes from, the role of diamond in history, how diamonds are judged as gemstones (the “four Cs”), how they are mined and sold – including an explanation of “blood diamonds” – how they are cut, and how they are used in industry. (See “Exhibition Walk Through” for more information on these sections.)
The Nature of Diamonds is a seamless blend of artistry and science. By exploring a single stone, the exhibition allows visitors to explore the deep cultural past and the exciting technological future of one of Earth’s most astonishing gems.
The Nature of Diamonds is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York, in collaboration with The Field Museum, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto.
Field Museum Admission
Tickets to The Nature of Diamonds include Basic admission to The Field Museum and are priced at $23 for adults, $20 for seniors and students with ID, and $13 for children 3-11. Discounts are available for Chicago residents. Visit fieldmuseum.org or call 866-FIELD-03 for more information.
Special rates are available for tour operators and groups of 15 or more. Call our Group Sales office toll-free at 888-FIELD-85 (888-343-5385).
Hours
The Field Museum is open from 9am – 5 pm every day but Christmas.
Location and Travel Information
The Field Museum is located at 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. Visitors can get to the Museum via CTA bus lines #6 and #146, or by taking the Metra electric and South Shore train lines.
Indoor parking is available just steps from the Museum’s main entrance. For more travel information, call the Illinois Department of Transportation, 312-368-4636, or the RTA Travel Center Hotline, 312-836-7000.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Field Museum PR Department, 312-665-7100
media@fieldmuseum.org
