We also visited the Gem Gallery at the National Museum of Natural History. It was full of fabulous jewels, but I’d have to say they were pretty difficult to photograph, not really sure why. I’ll post some of the pictures that did turn out (out of many that didn’t!).

This is the Hope Diamond, one of the world’s most famous gems, renowned for its flawless clarity, deep blue color and eventful history. It weighs 45.32 carats and was mined in India. I wish the blue had come out better, but even in some other photos I’ve seen of it, the surrounding lights seem to change the color on the outer edges.

One person had asked if these gems are replicas. They aren’t – they’re the real thing, part of the museum’s priceless gem collection. Some people may remember a gem exhibit I photographed at the Hillwood Estate, jewels previously owned by heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post. She had donated many of her pieces to the Smithsonian, and this is where they’re normally displayed.

Dom Pedro aquamarine, posted earlier: