A Look On The Bright Side in Washington, DC
Smithsonian to unveil world's largest aquamarine gem at nearly 5 pounds, more than a foot tall
WASHINGTON – The world's largest cut aquamarine gem will soon go on display in its new home at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.
The museum will unveil the obelisk-shaped Dom Pedro gem Thursday for long-term display. The blue-green crystal was mined in Brazil in the late 1980s and is named for Brazil's first two emperors.
The gem was designed and cut by gem artist Bernd Munsteiner. It stands 14 inches tall and weighs 10,363 carats — or nearly 5 pounds. Cuts in the reverse faces serve to reflect light within the gem.
National Gem Collection Curator Jeffrey Post said museum visitors will be drawn to it because of its color and large size as it joins the Hope Diamond and Marie Antoinette earrings on display.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/12/06/smithsonian-to-unveil-world-largest-aquamarine-gem-at-nearly-5-pounds-more-than/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+foxnews%2Finternal%2Ftravel%2Fmixed+%28Internal+-+Travel+-+Mixed%29#ixzz2EIGBbYzw