Gemological Institute of America Museum Review
By Marissa Pearl
Located in Carlsbad, CA, the GIA museum houses a diverse gem and mineral collection. It is home to some of the world’s largest mineral specimens such as agate and quartz displays weighing over 100 LBS. It also houses more obscure gemstones such as; chrysoberyl, fluorite, sphalerite, spinel, mexican fire opal, paraiba tourmaline, and many many more. The gemstones are nicely categorized in an organized academic way, by mineral. These also double as useful specimens for students studying at the GIA. In addition to these displays, the GIA museum has a changing small collection of ready-to-wear pieces by notable designers (such as Tony Duquette who had a beautiful exhibit there), and other mid-century jewelry designers of this era. You will find many different themes in the collection space if you visit the GIA museum frequently.
Trilliant-cut green gemstones of many different mineral families, displayed at the GIA museum in Carlsbad, CA.
From the Noble Beast collection, on display at the GIA museum in Carlsbad, CA
For a gemologist, gem-lover, and especially for a jeweler, this is a must-see jewelry destination with a great surrounding community of people happily living on the west coast. If you are planning a trip to the GIA Carlsbad location, you will be required to make your free reservation in advance over the phone. The GIA museum is a chance to find new inspiration and witness the vast creativity of the jewelry world. The combination of rare and obscure gemstones that make up these sophisticated pieces have their own story, many of the designs displayed can only be worn by the bold and beautiful!
Basalt and coral-carved designer brooches on display at the GIA museum in Carlsbad, CA
Bi-color watermelon carved tourmaline parrot at the GIA museum, Carlsbad
Bi-color carved watermelon tourmaline double-finger ring at the GIA in Carlsbad, CA
Carved brooch on display at the GIA museum in Carlsbad, CA
There is a cafe inside the GIA museum to accommodate post-jewelry salivating. Let this blissful trip take up a few hours out of your normal day to day routine. If you are looking to explore the ocean-side city of Carlsbad, you will find that it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in California as well and has unique architecture with its one-of-a-kind oceanfront homes. Carlsbad is also home to many great restaurants and cafes, one of my favorite Italian restaurants called “Spiritos” was even featured on the food network. Enjoy!
