Grainger Hall of Gems

Photo of the Grainger Hall of Gems after its 2009 remodel. Dark display boxes against a white background highlight the evolution from raw gemstones (just out of view in a box of sand), to loose faceted gems, to beautiful jewels. Photo ©2012 Kimberly Vardeman.   The Grainger Hall of Gems offers one of my favorite presentations of gemstones and jewels. It remains at the top of my list for gem halls to visit in the future. In 2009, under the direction of the the Chicago Field Museum's senior vice president and curator of the gem hall, Dr. Lance Grande, the display of the Field Museum's permanent collection of jewels and gemstones became one of the world's most innovative and unique interpretations of the natural history of gemstones. Typically, a museum's gem hall features a backdrop reminiscent of Elizabethan stage plays, with heavy dark curtains, black walls, and display cases lined in dark blue or black velvet. In these dramatic settings, the jewels and gemstones seem to gleam from out of the darkness, illuminated by stark backlighting. While the effect of such a display can leave a lasting impression in its dramatic and haunting effect, it is not a setting truly conducive to learning and creative exploration. In keeping with his mission to "bridge the gap between scientists, gemologists and jewelers" {cited} and to "tie the natural beauty...together with human artistry" {cited}, Dr. Grande has reimagined the display of gems and gemstones. The new hall is decorated in a rich honey color with oak wood floors and walnut-colored trim. Stretching the length of an entire wall is an inset display case set flush within the wall. Several satellite display cases stand throughout the exhibit floor. The room is well-lit with natural lighting which appears to emanate from skylights placed within the domed arc of the ceiling. Each display case features a block wood platform painted white with a series of square or rectangular display platforms painted in white, dark grey, or black. Jewels are mounted for optimal viewing, while raw gemstones are nestled artfully in trays filled with light brown sand. The Grainger Hall of Gems demonstrates a logical sense of order befitting a natural history museum. The emphasis of this remarkable presentation rests upon the standardized classification of gemstones and minerals. Dr. Grande and his staff have provided visitors with an in-depth examination of the partnership between man and nature. Visitors to the Grainger Hall of Gems will enjoy displays of both ancient and contemporary jewels beside raw gemstones in original matrix and loose faceted gemstones. These displays are organized in mineral families, so visitors can closely examine the similarities and differences between all their favorite stones. The importance of understanding the evolution of gemstones to jewelry cannot be understated for jewelry enthusiasts. While in and of themselves gemstones are among nature's most beautiful gifts, the powerful addition of human ingenuity to nature's raw materials has marked history for thousands and thousands of years. The Grainger Hall of Gems offers an artful and thoughtful presentation of this powerful partnership to any who are captivated by the magic and mystery of gems and jewelry. We invite you to visit the Field Museum website for more details.

References

1. Field Museum. "Grainger Hall of Gems: Gallery of Gems." Accessed April 10, 2015.
2. Field Museum. "Grainger Hall of Gems: History of the Gem Collection." Accessed April 10, 2015.
3. Grande, Lance and Allison Augustyn. Gems and Gemstones: Timeless Natural Beauty of the Mineral World. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2009.
4. Helen, "The Field Museum's 'The Nature of Diamonds,'" Chicago Windy City Guide, October 22, 2009.
5. University of Chicago Books, The. "Gems and Gemstones by Lance Grande and Allison Augustyn." Accessed April 10, 2015.
6. Valenzuela, Michelle. "Gemstones go au naturel at Grainger Hall of Gems," Sparkle, September 2012.
7. Woulfe, Molly. "Rock Show," NWI Times, October 23, 2009.