The Hazen Diamond Necklace contains 325 diamonds that have a total weight of approximately 131.43 carats. Mrs. Lita Annenberg Hazen donated the necklace to the Smithsonian in 1979.

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. Also, every display in the Gem Gallery is behind very heavy glass.

American Golden Topaz, 22,892.5 carats, posted earlier: