Smithsonian Gems: Stories Behind the Jewels with Dr. Jeffrey Post

Dr. Jeffrey Post, curator of the U.S. National Gem and Mineral Collection at the Natural History Museum reveals the scandals, mysteries, and human stories behind some of the world’s most famous gems. The Hope Diamond is familiar to most people because of its fascinating human history which includes kings and thieves and perhaps a curse, but it is also a rare blue diamond, the largest and finest of its kind known. The National Gem Collection is also well-known for its many other world-class gems and jewelry pieces such as Polly Logan’s 423 carat sapphire, the historic Napoleon Diamond Necklace and Blue heart Diamond, and the spectacular Carmen Lúcia Ruby. Post shares how these rare and beautiful jewels have come to encapsulate stories about the individuals—from ordinary people to kings, celebrities, and captains of industry—who once owned or were associated with them.