ROM to present The Nature of Diamonds

25 Apr '08

3 min read

Diamonds is divided into seven informative sections: Introduction to Diamonds; Where Do Diamonds Come From?; Cultural History; Resource History, including the component on the Canadian mining industry; Diamond Vault, a spectacular walk-in area housing a magnificent array of jewels from around the world; The Four C's, and, finally, Industry and Technology.

Eye-catching highlight objects are showcased throughout the exhibition. Among them is the ROM's own imposing oil painting of Marie d'Medici, who is adorned in an impressive amount of jewels, including diamond upon diamond. An imposing 1.2 by 3 metres (4 by 10 feet), it was painted by Flemish Frans Pourbus the younger, circa 1600.

Other highlights include a corsage ornament belonging to Princess Mathilde, niece of Napoleon I. Measuring approximately 11.5 x 14.5 cm, the stunning piece is comprised of 2,600 diamonds.

Another object of note is a shoulder brooch, created as a special order by Cartier, New York in 1928, and composed of round old-cut diamonds and platinum. Formerly owned by Sir Elton John, the stunning accessory is 15 cm long.

Lenders to The Nature of Diamonds include esteemed companies such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, and the ROM's Presenting Sponsor, De Beers Canada.

The Royal Ontario Museum

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