Sweet Serendipity Brings One of the World’s Top Sapphires to HMNS
HOUSTON (PRWEB) March 05, 2019 -- Hailing from an island of gemstones, the Siren of Serendip is one of the world’s largest blue sapphires. This magnificent and unparalleled gemstone will be on display in the Brown Gallery at the Houston Museum of Natural Science from March 3 through 24, just in time for spring break. Considered one of the top five sapphires in the world, the Siren of Serendip weighs a phenomenal 422.66 carats and was discovered almost a century ago on the island of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). When found, the original rough crystal weighed 2,670 carats before it was cut and polished.
A Perfect Setting
A glorious gem deserves a glorious setting. Master jeweler Ingo Henn of London and Idar-Oberstein, Germany was commissioned to design a jewelry piece for the Siren of Serendip. Designing the perfect piece to showcase this sapphire was a thoughtful process. Henn presented HMNS president & CEO, and curator of gems and minerals Joel Bartsch with three designs to choose from, narrowed down from over 20 ideas. Watch the making of the Siren of Serendip necklace.
A white gold and platinum necklace was chosen to showcase the blue color of the Siren of the Serendip. The sapphire is the focal point of the piece, but the necklace also includes 913 diamonds, totaling 36.30 carats.
Henn is no stranger to the museum. The Henn family has a long history of consulting with HMNS curators on some of the pieces in the museum’s gem and mineral collection. Just over 10 years ago, Ingo Henn designed a peridot jewelry suite (comprised of a necklace, earrings and ring) that is still displayed in HMNS’s Lester & Sue Smith Gem Vault.
Origin Story
The gemstone’s name refers in part to the sirens of Greek mythology, whose irresistible—yet unattainable—beauty captivated all who beheld them.
Meanwhile, the second half of its name refers to the ancient Persian word for Ceylon, Serendip, and also serves as a nod to the serendipity the museum feels at having the opportunity to own this stunning piece. Ceylon sapphires are world renowned for their size, color and abundance. Sri Lankan mines hold the record for the largest fine quality faceted blue sapphires in the world. The country boasts the highest density of gem deposits, with gem-bearing Pre-Cambrian rock composing 90 percent of its landmass. The age of Sri Lanka’s geology contributes to the land’s richness in gem deposits.
Jewelry aficionados and geology geeks alike will be in awe of this glistening gemstone and its stunning diamond setting. Guests can see it in the Brown Gallery during their trips to the Houston Museum of Natural Science this March. Tickets will be $5 in addition to general admission.
The Siren of Serendip is now on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science—due to a little serendipity, and a large amount of generosity from multiple anonymous donors. For ticket prices or more information visit our website at http://www.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science—one of the nation’s most heavily attended museums—is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With four floors of permanent exhibit halls, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and George Observatory and as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, the Museum has something to delight every age group. With such diverse and extraordinary offerings, a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 5555 Hermann Circle Drive in the heart of the Museum District, is always an adventure.
Melodie Wade, The Houston Museum of Natural Science, http://www.hmns.org, +1 (713) 639-4743, [email protected]
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