Washington DC Chapter: Smithsonian Gems

Join us as we welcome Dr. Jeffrey E. Post, curator-in-charge of the National Gem Collection, as he presents a beautifully illustrated talk on the Smithsonian Institution’s rare and magnificent gems.

The collection includes the notorious Hope Diamond; the exceptional 423-carat Logan sapphire; and the Carmen Lúcia ruby, one of the largest and finest examples in the world. It is also known for its historic pieces, including the Marie Antoinette earrings, the Blue Heart diamond, the Marie Louise Necklace and the Maximilian emerald. Post will explore the rich, fascinating stories behind some of the famous gems in the collection.

Dr. Post, a native of Wisconsin, received his bachelor of science degrees in geology and chemistry from the University of Wisconsin - Platteville, and his Ph.D. in chemistry, with a specialty in geochemistry, from Arizona State University. He is chairman of the Department of Mineral Sciences, and since 1991 has served as curator of the U.S. National Gem and Mineral Collection. Post served as the lead curator for the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals that opened in 1997. He has published more than 90 scientific articles in these fields. He is the author of “The National Gem Collection.”

Support your chapter by making and soliciting donations for our DCGIA Holiday Party & Auction on Dec. 3. Donations can be brought to any meeting or mailed to: Charles Marts,13400 Catoctin Ct., Herndon, VA 20170. If you would like to schedule a pickup, please email: cmarts@cox.net or call: 703-473-4992.