Past Exhibits

Through March 3, 2012
Location: GIA Headquarters, Carlsbad, California

The set, hand-crafted by Jim Grahl from Orange County, is created with 12 lbs of 14K yellow and white gold. Grahl researched 13^th and 14^th century European costumes, armament and religions to make sure the figurines looked authentic. Ultimately, he chose a cross-section of European cultures and designs. The kings are Nordic, the queens Spanish, the bishops Anglican/Catholic, the knights French, the castles Germanic, and the pawns Welsh foot soldiers.

• Ultimate Chess Set
  Views of the “Ultimate Chess Set,” currently on display at GIA Headquarters.
• Ultimate Chess Set
  Views of the “Ultimate Chess Set,” currently on display at GIA Headquarters.
• Ultimate Chess Set
  Views of the “Ultimate Chess Set,” currently on display at GIA Headquarters.
• Ultimate Chess Set
  Views of the “Ultimate Chess Set,” currently on display at GIA Headquarters.

May - October 2011
Location: GIA Headquarters, Carlsbad, California

Hong Kong jewelry artist Wallace Chan’s unique designs showcased dozens of subjects from nature in fascinating detail, which combined an innovative use of titanium with gemstones and unusual materials.  A main feature of this jewelry collection was the “Wallace Cut,” an award-winning carving technique invented by Chan that incorporates the elements of cameo, intaglio, and gem faceting.

• Sovereignty
  Features a 33.42 ct conch pearl, a 32.01 ct diamond rough crystal, a 0.41 ct ruby, and an assortment of diamonds, in 18K yellow gold and titanium.
• Unfettered
  Features 21.84 ct of pink sapphire and 0.71 ct of colorless diamonds, set in 18k white gold and titanium. Photo by Robert Weldon.
• Pleasure
  Features a 1.19 ct emerald, a 35.41 ct green garnet, a 26.55 ct jadeite, a 6.05 ct diamond, a 1.78 ct yellow diamond, and a 0.31 ct cat's-eye alexandrite, in 18k white gold and titanium.

May - October 2011
Location: GIA Headquarters, Carlsbad, California

Winner of the 2007-2008 Tahitian Pearl Trophy international jewelry competition, The Vega incorporated the competition’s theme, “Song of the Stars.” This was accomplished through its carefully selected pearl colors reminiscent of the night sky, punctuated by a “Milky Way” of diamonds. The constellation Lyra, which contains the Vega star, was designed to be seen under ultraviolet light as the five center diamonds fluoresce in its distinctive pattern. The necklace was custom made to hold its different-sized pearls for best effect, while keeping it flexible to lie gracefully on the wearer’s neck. The metal fashioning alone took more than 220 hours.

• Necklace, Bracelet, and Earrings
  The necklace, bracelet (not shown), and earrings feature 111 Tahitian cultured pearls, 6 carats of diamonds, and 18K white gold. Image courtesy of Robert Wan.

Through January 2012
Location: GIA Headquarters, Carlsbad, California

A magnificent ensemble of colored diamonds. Each stone is a unique combination of size, color, cut, clarity, finish, and balance of color intensity and lightness. The colors of all these diamonds are natural and have not been treated in any way. For more on the Adamas Collection, visit www.adamascollection.com 

• 1.11 ct Fancy Vivid Greenish Yellow Diamond
  
• 3.06 ct Fancy Orangish Brown Diamond
  
• 1.16 ct Fancy Vivid Yellowish Orange Diamond
  
• 0.70 ct Pink Diamond
  

August 12, 2011 - April 16, 2012
Location: San Diego International Airport, San Diego, California

On September 14, 2011, the San Diego Airport Authority joined GIA in officially opening the “GIA Celebrates Birthstones” exhibit at San Diego International Airport. The exhibit contains more than 250 gems, minerals, and jewelry from around the world.  “GIA Celebrates Birthstones” features lavish displays showcasing birthstones for each month of the year, as well as an enormous 22,000-carat faceted quartz and a replica of a jeweled Victoria’s Secret Bra. The exhibit will be on display through April 16, 2012 and is located in Terminal 2 West, post-security. “GIA Celebrates Birthstones” is part of the San Diego International Airport Art Program, which was established in 2006 to engage travelers in innovative, memorable, and considerate experiences, creating an ambiance unique to San Diego and welcoming people to the airport and region.

• Birthstones Case
  Each case of “GIA Celebrates Birthstones” offers a variety of examples of the gemstone that represent each month of the year, along with fun facts about the gems.

May 15, 2010 - April 8, 2012
Location: San Diego Museum of Natural History

Did you know that the gemstones in your jewelry are millions of years old? In this exhibit, you’ll discover how gems and precious metals were formed long ago, deep within the earth and brought to the surface through powerful and amazing geologic processes. Some of the most important gems and minerals are mined in California and San Diego County and are on display, including benitoite, morganite and kunzite. This exhibition features a vast selection of stunning natural mineral crystals, unique jewelry, and works of art on loan from private collectors and major U.S. institutions including GIA, American Museum of Natural History, Harvard University Mineralogical Museum, Newark Museum and National Museum of Natural History, and the Smithsonian Institution.

• Victoria’s Secret Bra
  A replica of the Victoria’s Secret “Very Sexy Fantasy Bra” by Pascal Mouawad. The original piece was modeled by Heidi Klum at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2003.