One of the most exquisite displays of stunning gemstones, rare jewelry and international artwork is on display at the ROM from October 25, 2008 to March 22, 2009. The Nature of Diamonds is a reprise of Diamonds, an exhibition that was created by the American Museum of Natural History, which toured throughout the United States in the 1990s. This is the first time that the spectacular diamond display has appeared in Canada. The exhibition includes more than 500 pieces differing from Diamonds, with new computer-animated components and multi-media shows to illustrate the history of the jewels.
The exhibit includes seven different sections: Introduction to diamonds, Where do diamonds come from?, Cultural History, Resource History, Diamond Vault -- a walk-in house filled with diamonds, The Four C's and Industry and Technology.
Highlights of this impressive collection include a Cartier brooch made in 1928 previously owned by Sir Elton John, a 2,600 diamond-filled corsage belonging to Princess Mathilde, niece of Napoleon I, and a four by 10 foot oil painting of Marie d'Medici who is adorned in jewels.
