All that Glitters: The Splendor & Science of Gems & Minerals

Discover how the same Earth processes that build landscapes produce dazzling gemstones and precious metals--even right here in San Diego County, one of the most famous gem-producing regions in the worlds.

See a stunning selection of spectacular natural mineral crystals, exquisite jewelry, and works of art. Enjoy interactives and touchables. See objects on display for the first time ever and see stunning objects on loan from major U.S. museums including the Smithsonian, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Newark Museum of Decorating Art.

A few standout pieces include:

• Eye-popping gems and jewelry from important private collections by world-renowned designers including Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Bulgar
• A life-size recreation of a local gem pocket, displaying California’s native gem wealth: tourmalines, topaz, garnets, and more
• “Star of Bombay,” a remarkable 182-carat blue star sapphire; one of the world's great star sapphires, famously given to silent-film actress Mary Pickford from her husband, actor Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.
• Treasures from around the world: rubies and diamonds, emeralds and aquamarines, opals and jade
• The Aurora Butterfly of Peace with 240 loose, real diamonds of rare and unusual colors made into a butterfly design, with a total weight of 166.94 carats